Port Melbourne women’s team elevated to VFLW
With AFL powerhouse Richmond dumping its VFLW program, VFL mainstay Port has been given a licence for the elite women’s competition.
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Historic Port Melbourne Football Club has joined the ranks of the VFLW.
The Borough have taken over the licence of AFL powerhouse Richmond, which dropped its VFLW team for financial reasons.
Port started a senior women’s team in 2018 and it competes in the South East women’s league.
From next year it will go up against Carlton, Casey Demons, Collingwood, Darebin Falcons, Essendon, Geelong, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Southern Saints, Western Bulldogs and Williamstown in a 12-team VFLW.
Richmond said the impact of the COVID pandemic had been “significant’’ and it had made the “difficult decision not to participate in the next VFLW season’’
“This decision will ensure we can focus our resources and energies on delivering a high-quality AFLW program in 2021 and beyond,’’ Richmond head of women’s football Kate Sheahan said.
The Borough’s entry into state league women’s football was confirmed tonight as AFL Victoria announced a “streamlined calendar’’ for female football in 2021.
In a statement, it said the NAB League Girls and the VFL Women’s seasons would begin in February next year and run concurrently with the AFL Women’s competition.
“Following the integration of the female and male talent pathways, aspiring AFLW players will be provided with the increased opportunities for elite development while also retaining their connection to community football,’’ the statement said.
“The 2021 rebel VFLW Competition will see 12 clubs compete with the number of games and format to be similar to previous seasons. AFL Victoria is pleased to confirm Port Melbourne will enter the competition for the first time after they accepted a VFLW licence following the decision by Richmond not to field a team in the 2021 rebel VFLW season.
“The 2021 VFLW list rules are currently being finalised. As previously communicated, there will be no license fees payable by any club to participate in the 2021 rebel VFLW competition.’’
It said that for the first time NAB League coaches would hold full-time positions and work across the girls and boys programs to ensure the same opportunities for both.
The coaches will be supported by assistants who will have experience working with girls and boys football programs.
The NAB Under 19 Girls National Championships carnival is being planned for the end of the NAB League Girls season in April 2021.