AFLW earmarks 2023 to have women’s teams linked to all 18 clubs

With two new AFLW teams this year and four in 2020, the AFL is edging closer to having women’s teams linked to every club. It’s made secret of its goals and has pencilled in a date to reach the magic number of 18.

Geelong and North Melbourne have joined an expanded AFLW competition in 2019. Picture: AAP

AFL Women’s could expand to a full 18-team competition by 2023.

Geelong and North Melbourne join the league this season with the 10-team competition kicking off at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong on Saturday night.

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Geelong and North Melbourne have joined an expanded AFLW competition in 2019. Picture: AAP

In 2020, St Kilda, West Coast, Gold Coast and Richmond will have an AFLW team and the league is planning for more.

Both the men’s and women’s broadcast agreements end in 2022, making 2023 an ideal time to align the two competitions.

“Part of our vision is we do want 18 AFL clubs with women’s teams,” Head of AFLW Nicole Livingstone said.

“We are working to a vision for this year that will see us through to 2022.

“We are working towards 18 AFLW clubs and it could be as early as 2023.”

Player numbers have increased by 25 per cent this season with the inclusion of the Kangaroos and the Cats creating another 60 list spots.

A further 120 players will be needed for 2020, which will further stretch the talent base.

The AFL has been intent on developing its own players in the immediate term. It has increased its talent pathways programs across Australia, its academy program has doubled in size and a girls under-16 elite program has been launched.

Athletes from other sports in Australia and abroad could play a bigger role from 2020.

“This year there was about a 25 per cent growth in women playing football; you find them in elite athletes coming across, you find women footballers have improved,” AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said.

AFL Head of Women's Football Nicole Livingstone says all 18 clubs could have women’s teams by 2023. Picture: AAP

“There’s a huge pipeline of young women coming through … it’s always a balance, it’s aggressive we know, but the demand is there. Our clubs want it and the players want it.

“ … There’s been discussions about women from other countries … our clubs are so resourceful.

“If there’s a female athlete out there who wants to play our game, whether it’s in other sports in the country, internationally, I know they’ll find them.”

Five Irish recruits will suit up this season, including Collingwood’s Sarah Rowe and Western Bulldog Aisling McCarthy, both Gaelic football stars.

Australian cross-code players include former Hockeyroo Georgia Nanscawen (Kangaroos) and ex-Diamonds netballer Sharni Layton (Collingwood).

Both players had reached the end of their respective international careers before taking up football.