The AFLW competition has revolutionised the sport and made history; there is no turning back

THE slogan for AFLW was “See what we create”. Fast-forward two months and new sporting heroes have emerged as part of a historic moment in the history of our game, writes Gillon McLachlan.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA — March 25: The Crows celebrate victory during the 2017 AFL Womens Grand Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows on 25th March 2017 at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/News Corp )

ON February 1 this year, we launched the first ever NAB AFL Women’s competition, and I said I thought a revolution could be taking place in our game.

Little did I really know how true that would be.

Fast-forward two months and new sporting heroes have emerged as part of a historic moment in the history of our game and the history of sport in Australia.

There are so many people to thank, from our broadcasters and corporate partners, our Clubs and their members, and the community — who responded to the new league with enthusiasm and passion.

The first game was a genuine surprise — even after shifting venues, we still had a lockout with more than 24,000 jammed into Ikon Park, and several thousand more outside.

The Crows celebrate victory during the 2017 AFL Womens Grand Final

The sense of history certainly drove that first weekend — as our traditional fans turned out in big numbers, and a new demographic turned up to “take a look” at our game.

The feeling of overnight success for the women’s league masks the work done by generations of girls and women who have played the game at community level, and who have been advocates for women’s footy for a long time.

They created the platform upon which the AFL was able to build this first season, and are a big part of our success.

There is no turning back now, this season has created support and demand for the women’s game.

This support was shown in attendances, TV viewers and membership numbers for the competing clubs.

Inaugural AFLW Best and Fairest winner Erin Phillips

This has been significant. But more significant has been the extraordinary response at the community level in every state.

Clubs are being overwhelmed with demand from girls and women to play the game, and our participation rates are soaring.

The impact of the women playing in this new competition has been profound.

The players’ commitment and passion on and off the field has been an inspiration to our game and our supporters. But it has been bigger than that.

The slogan for AFL Women’s was “See what we create” — and it could not be more appropriate given the way the players have taken control of this fledgling league, and sent a message across Australia of equality and aspiration.

We salute them all, and we can’t wait for next season.