Figures reveal massive dip in ratings for opening Carlton-Collingwood AFLW match

EXCLUSIVE: THE AFL has taken the extraordinary step of directing clubs to restrict player numbers around stoppages in all AFLW matches from this weekend.

THE AFL has taken the extraordinary step of directing clubs to restrict player numbers around stoppages in all AFLW matches from this weekend.

Head of women’s football Nicole Livingstone has today sent a memo to all eight AFLW clubs outlining specific requirements aimed at reducing congestion.

While not official rule changes, there is an understanding the edict is to be followed or new rules, such as positional zones, could be introduced as early as Round 3.

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The memo followed the uproar over the defensive nature of the Carlton-Collingwood season opener. Brisbane’s tactics in its win over Adelaide were also noted at league headquarters.

It’s believed the memo requires all clubs to;

— START with five forwards, six centre players (including two wings) and five defenders at all centre bounces, with play not starting until this set up is achieved.

— ADHERE to a 15m “protected area” around stoppages, where forwards are expected to stay away from the ball-up when it is in the centre zone or in their defence.

— SHOW a general intent to pull forwards away from play they’re not involved in, essentially to reset.

This is my view only, but are they bloody serious? We are out here to win, whatever it takes. If you ask me I saw some pretty exciting stuff on the weekend and I think this is ridiculous. How many rule changes do you want? Is it even afl anymore? https://t.co/kbKfyzcc4T

— Jessica Wuetschner (@JessicaWoochnar) February 7, 2018

AFLW coaches had meetings or phone conversations with executives including Livingstone, AFL football boss Steve Hocking and Josh Vanderloo yesterday.

The AFL highlighted vision from the opening weekend and was concerned about some clubs positioning extra players behind the ball. They want players to be able to move the ball more effectively.

Footage of the ball ping-ponging between two areas of the ground was also highlighted as a negative development.

The AFL wants more open space and free-flowing footy in the AFLW. Pic: AAP

The AFL move comes after the Herald Sun revealed ratings for the opening Carlton-Collingwood AFLW match were less than half the number of a year earlier.

The five-capital average for the game was 242,000, compared with 593,000 for the first ever game of AFL Women’s, played between the same teams, in 2017.

That’s represents a fall of 60 per cent.

In Melbourne the drop was only marginally less dramatic — from 424,000 to 185,000 (56 per cent lower).

Plenty of fans filled Ikon Park for the Carlton-Collingwood clash. Pic: Getty Images

The football was up against the BBL semi-final between Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers, which would be a significant factor in the football figures especially given the T20 game went down to the final ball.

There were just five goals scored in Carlton’s win over Collingwood at Ikon Park on Friday night, and none in the second half.

Channel 7 boss Lewis Martin said his network welcomed the directives from the AFL.

He said he wasn’t alarmed by the ratings slump and would continue to heavily support AFLW.

“Seven is very supportive of the AFL decision and we continue to support AFLW,’’ he said.

“There’s no dispute audiences love high-scoring games and the AFL are aware of that.

“The AFL have come out and given some coaching directives and ultimately it’s an AFL call. So we welcome any changes that can improve the nature of the game.”