AFLW stars shine at season launch

Some of the biggest names of AFLW and AFL stepped out for an all-star event at the Melbourne Town Hall as excitement builds ahead of the 2024 season.

Emma Swanson, Daisy Pearce, Ella Roberts and Bella Lewis at Tuesday night’s season launch. Picture: Tony Gough

It was glamour meets game on at the 2024 AFLW season launch in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

AFL bosses, coaches, team managers, captains and players attended the all-star event at Melbourne Town Hall.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon said he was excited about the season ahead.

“The foundations are in place after eight seasons with 18 clubs,” he said.

Tayla Harris. Picture: Getty

Gab Seymour and Katie Brennan. Picture: Tony Gough

“I’m excited we can build on those foundations and get as many people to our games, watching our games, just to see how good it is.”

But he said the AFLW had its own challenges.

“The challenges are spreading the word about how good the game is, and the quality of the game, to as many fans as possible,” Mr Dillon said.

“That’s a real challenge for us, but we’re up for it.”

Former Demons superstar turned West Coast Eagles coach Daisy Pearce jetted in from Perth to attend the launch event.

Libby Birch. Picture: Tony Gough

Akec Makur Chuot. Picture: Tony Gough

Millie Ford. Picture: Tony Gough

Erin Phillips. Picture: Tony Gough

Pearce said it had been a fun challenge adjusting to the top job.

“With every month that goes by, you get to know your players and the people that you work with that little bit more,” Pearce said.

“I’m enjoying it. It’s been challenging, but even in the most challenging ­moments, it’s been really ­rewarding.”

Pearce said it was good to be back on familiar turf.

“There’s something special about Melbourne,” she said. “It’s a beautiful place. But given that so much of footy’s heartbeat is here, I’m sure I’ll spend plenty of time back here.”

Tigers captain Katie Brennan said she was thrilled to have inked a two-year deal earlier this week.

“I love the club, it was a no-brainer for me to sign on,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to our future and what we can build.”

Brisbane captain Breanna Koenen knows her team will be “hunted” after winning the flag last year.

“I’ve had enough pre-season, I’m ready to get stuck in,” Koenen said.

“We know we’re going to be the hunted, we know everybody’s after us. We know what’s coming, and we’ve prepared well for it.”

North Melbourne recruit Libby Birch said: “It’s so exciting. It’s such a long build-up to each season. We’re going to see another level of footy this year.”

Birch was traded to the Roos from Melbourne late last year.

“I’m a western suburbs girl through and through,” she said.

“It’s incredible to jump into a team that’s so established and played in the grand final last year.”

Scheduled guests at the launch event included Deanna Berry, Monique Conti, Emma Kearney, Ellie Blackburn, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Lily Mithen and Beth Pinchin.