AFLW 2023: Players disappointed league has not announced season length

The AFL says it released the start date of the next AFLW season to provide “certainty”. But the absence of one detail has players disappointed.

AFL Women’s players are disappointed the league has announced its season start date without any clarity on season length.

The AFL said on Friday morning that the eighth season of AFLW will begin on September 1, in the pre-finals bye of the men’s competition, with preseason to kick off on May 29.

The AFL Players’ Association met with the AFL this week where the dates were raised officially for the first time, with a request for more time to liaise with player leaders rebuffed by headquarters.

The players say they have not been adequately consulted as they continue to push for a 12-game season this year — up from 10 games last season — with the decision slammed as “disrespectful”.

There remains hope that the door to a longer season could still be open.

In an email to players seen by the Herald Sun, the AFL Players’ Association expressed their “disappointment with the AFL’s decision to announce these dates without giving us the chance to properly consult with player leaders”.

Richmond’s Sarah Hosking.

“While we believe there is a need to confirm these dates with clubs and a matter of priority, we had indicated to the AFL that we’d like to discuss this with player leaders before this is announced,” the email reads.

“The AFL has pushed back on this, and intends to announce it (on Friday).

“This is disrespectful to both the PA and, most importantly, the playing group.”

Collective bargaining agreement negotiations are ongoing with an expectation they could drag on in coming months.

The slated start date is not a barrier to increasing the season, it would simply mean it would push into mid-December rather than ending in early December.

But the players’ association remains determined to push for an increase to the home and away season, which was 10 games last year, with the league’s announcement not making any commitment to season length as yet.

“We aren’t ... concerned by the dates (announced by the league),” the player email said.

“We still have the opportunity to press our claims for a longer season, indeed the (league’s) express acknowledgement that season length remains on the table - and that a 12-game season can be achieved with the later start date - gives us more time to advance this part of our claim.”

Players are disappointed the length of the season has not been decided.

AFLW SEASON START DATES LOCKED IN

Glenn McFarlane

AFLW clubs finally have a start date with the eighth season of the women’s competition set to kick off during the AFL pre-finals bye weekend.

There had been considerable angst from AFLW players and clubs about the uncertainty around starting times for both the preseason and season as well as the ongoing discussions surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement.

But AFL executive general manager of football operations, legal and integrity Andrew Dillon informed the clubs on Friday that the season would commence on the first weekend of September - giving the competition maximum exposure during the gap between the final AFL round and the start of the men’s finals.

Dillon said he was pleased to be able to guarantee a timeline for the AFLW clubs to work towards, with their preseason campaigns starting from May 29.

Head coach Mick Stinear and Daisy Pearce of the Demons hold the trophy aloft after winning the AFLW Grand Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at Brighton Homes Arena on November 27, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

“We want to provide certainty to AFLW players, clubs, and the fans while the CBA negotiations are ongoing,” Dillon said.

“The first weekend of September is the best time for the 2023 season to start, with all eyes on the AFLW due to the bye in the AFL.

“Season length and structure continue to be discussed as part of the CBA negotiations. Planning is well underway and we are excited for the AFLW season ahead.”