AFL set to launch national women’s league as 16-a-side competition

THE AFL is set to launch the national women’s league as a 16-a-side competition after the successful trial at Whitten Oval.

THE AFL is set to launch the national women’s league as a 16-a-side competition after the successful trial at Whitten Oval.

More than 6000 people filled the stands to witness the last women’s AFL exhibition match before the first national women’s league season begins in February.

Teams on Saturday night played without wings or at times without a forward and back pocket.

While the concept had been challenged by players before the game, it now has support.

Moana Hope, an old-fashioned full-forward who kicked six goals for the Western Bulldogs, said the changes had created more room.

“If you asked me this question yesterday I would have told you I hated the idea of it, but as a forward it really opened it up,” she said.

Moana Hope celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

“(It) allowed me to explore my strengths, which is leading into space, and it made my job a lot easier.

“It looked great, free-flowing, the ball was moving from end to end, side to side.”

Western Bulldogs forward Katie Brennan said she was more tired for having two less players on the field, but she enjoyed the space.

“It was obviously a lot of work but I felt it did really open up the game,” she said.

The teams also played with a smaller ball and Brennan said she had found it easier to hold.

AFL general manager of game and market development Simon Lethlean said 16-a-side worked.

“I spoke to Paul Groves, the coach (of the Bulldogs) … he thinks we have to do it,” Lethlean said.

“It opened the game up, it’s less defendable … I didn’t even notice it was 16-a-side.”

Bulldogs’ Bianca Jakkobson takes a strong pack mark. Picture: Michael Klein

Lethlean said the broadcast match, which went live on Channel 7, could not have gone any better for the league.

The AFL had proposed to pay most players $5000, but that has been rejected by the AFL Players’ Association. Talks will continue.

Hope will now join Collingwood as its marquee player.

“I’m sad I’m not going to wear the Dogs jumper again because they’ve been an amazing club,” she said.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish it.”