AFLW 2022: Record-breaking surge in memberships revealed

AFLW membership has broken a significant milestone — led by an expansion club that is yet to field a team. The women’s game goes from strength to strength.

AFLW club membership has broken the 30,000-member milestone heading into season 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

They are still more than a year away from taking the field and are yet to sign a senior coach but the Sydney Swans head a record-breaking surge of AFLW club memberships.

AFLW club membership has broken the 30,000-member milestone with 33,577 members signing up for season 2022, which starts on the weekend of January 6.

And the Swans currently lead the way with 3501 members.

Sydney supporter Gemma Bastiani, who became a member almost a decade ago, can’t wait to see women play the sport she loves in Swans colours.

“But I have to admit I am surprised — happy but surprised — that Swans membership tops this list,” she said.

“We don’t even have an AFLW coach yet … and we don’t have the biggest AFL membership like Richmond … but I think this shows how the whole club supported getting a women’s licence.

“For example, last season during the AFL season, the male players all warmed up in shirts supporting the bid for a licence … the whole club was engaged in getting an AFLW side.”

Brisbane Lions players celebrate after winning the 2021 AFLW grand final. Picture: Getty Images

This year’s AFLW club membership tally includes all 18 AFL Clubs, with the addition of newly licensed clubs Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and the Swans.

Of these, Port Adelaide has recorded 1957 foundation members that puts them in the top half of 2022 AFLW Club memberships.

The record new overall figure surpasses the previous record of 25,782 set last year.

AFL General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said she was thrilled to see fans from the four new AFLW clubs get involved.

“It’s extremely pleasing to see fans from our newly licensed AFLW Clubs support their teams ahead of their inclusion in the 2023 NAB AFLW season,” she said.

“With the festive season upon us and a new NAB AFLW Season around the corner, there’s no better time to buy a membership at your club and show your support for women’s football.”

The 2022 NAB AFLW Season marks the second year the competition will be ticketed, with admission prices frozen at $10 for adults and FREE for children under 18.