MPFNL: Fierce backlash after women’s finals scheduling labelled ‘a joke’

The Mornington Peninsula league faces backlash after releasing women’s finals fixtures, including the Division 1 qualifying final on a Sunday night, with critics saying it demonstrates disrespect towards female players.

Eliza Snehotta celebrates a goal for Mornington. Picture: Andrew Batsch

The Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League is under fire after releasing women’s finals fixtures that critics say demonstrate disrespect towards female players.

The Division 1 qualifying final has been scheduled for 6pm on a Sunday night, dramatically departing from the season’s standard Saturday afternoon timeslots.

Finals kick off on August 3.

Divisions 3 and 2 will be played at 2pm and 4pm respectively, with all matches held at Jubilee Park, home of Frankston YCW — a club without a women’s program.

Adding controversy, the women’s grand final coincides with men’s final home and away rounds, virtually guaranteeing poor attendance.

A stream of angry comments have been posted on social media.

MPFNL board president Graham Sherry defended the scheduling.

“We are trying to juggle a few things, access to junior football, access to grounds, lack of volunteers, the lack of clubs who are willing to put their hands up for women’s finals in particular because it’s not an attractive economic proposition,’’ he said.

“It is certainly not an easy proposition in any circumstances.

“The sentiments expressed in the social media comments are outrageously out of line.’’

However, players remain unconvinced.

“We are sick and tired of being treated like a burden and we are sick and tired of being an afterthought,” Frankston women’s player Ella Hilton commented.

Caitlyn Gorka in action for Mornington. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Critics question why finals scheduling wasn’t addressed during the season’s planning phase.

Mornington will play Warragul Industrials in the qualifying final on Sunday, August 3, starting at 6pm.

“Warragul will have a 75 minute drive home after the game,’’ a dismayed club official said.

“They’ll get home at nearly 10 o’clock, it’s a bit unfair for them.

“All our games this year have been (on) a Saturday in Division 1. In Div 2 there’s a been a couple of Friday nights.

“We’ve never had a Sunday game. And it’s more 6pm, we are like, ‘really?’. Six o’clock at night — on a Sunday.’’

On Wednesday afternoon, the MPFNL said in a statement it had limited options with no clubs prepared to host finals.

“We are disappointed in how this situation has been portrayed publicly,’’ it said.

“Some commentary on social media has inflamed the issue, misrepresented the facts, and unfairly targeted those who have put their hands up to help.’’

FULL LEAGUE STATEMENT

“The MPFNL is proud of the continued growth of our Women’s competition and remains fully committed to delivering a respectful and high-quality finals series that reflects the standard, effort and importance of the competition.

In recent days, commentary regarding the 2025 Women’s Finals Series, particularly Week One, has caused unnecessary division. We want to set the record straight.

The league, alongside AFL South East, has worked tirelessly to identify suitable venues that meet the specific requirements for hosting six finals games in one day. This includes access to dual ovals, changerooms, medical facilities, canteen access, and most importantly, a club with the volunteer capacity to deliver.

For transparency, we also note that the fixture for finals was aligned back in February to address previous feedback and avoid overlap of the Women’s Finals with other matches, an intentional effort to maximise opportunities to attend and support the women’s game.

While venues may appear available on Saturdays, they are part of broader multi-sport precincts. With other codes using the facilities and significant volunteer demands, Saturday hosting was not feasible.

Despite consultation with multiple women’s clubs, none were able to host Week One. With limited options, the MPFNL approached Frankston YCW, who generously committed to hosting, despite existing junior fixtures and the challenges that came with it. We thank them, and Tyabb FNC who will host the preliminary finals, for stepping up and actively supporting the women’s competition.

The reality is: these finals cannot happen without willing venues, community volunteers and logistical alignment. It’s not a lack of commitment from the league - it’s a lack of options when no clubs in the competition were prepared to take on hosting duties.

We are disappointed in how this situation has been portrayed publicly. Some commentary on social media has inflamed the issue, misrepresented the facts, and unfairly targeted those who have put their hands up to help. This is not acceptable. We urge all clubs to ensure their members are informed and respectful, and to take ownership for their own decisions, including not nominating to host.

Let us be clear: The same planning, investment and care goes into these finals as any other. We remain proudly committed to working with the MPFNL Women’s Sub-Committee to keep building the profile, visibility and future of the competition - but that requires action, not blame.

We ask our community to get behind this series and those working hard to deliver it.

That’s how progress is made.’’