Momentum builds for Gather Round AFLW representative game

The AFL and women’s players are eager to revive International Rules, but a major obstacle stands in the way of a Gather Round fixture.

The AFL would need to overcome a major roadblock to stage a women’s International Rules game during next year’s Gather Round but a different representative game could be held instead.

The league is eager to revive the hybrid format after a seven-year hiatus by harnessing the strength of a more than 30-strong Irish AFLW cohort.

But it is unlikely enough players could be convinced to return to Australia for the April weekend for an exhibition game.

A state of origin game or a clash between Victoria and an Allies or “Dream Team” side have also been floated as possible ways to showcase women’s football during the Adelaide festival next year.

Next year’s AFL Gather Round could hold a Victoria vs. Allies women’s match similar to the fixture played in September 2017 at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein

This year Gather Round was held on the same weekend as the GAA’s women’s national football league final, and the majority of the Irish contingent have tended to remain home until the start of the AFLW pre-season, which began on June 3 ahead of this season.

The introduction of 12-month contracts in the most recent collective bargaining agreement has not stopped clubs from permitting players to continue playing Gaelic football during the off-season.

An April game would be during the AFLW off-season leave period, meaning participation would be voluntary for the league’s best players.

But it is understood there is significant enthusiasm from the Australian and Irish cohorts for an inaugural women’s match.

Australia and Ireland have not competed in a men’s International Rules series since 2017, while a women’s series has not been held since the inception of AFLW.

The AFLPA has only had informal discussions with the AFL so far on the inclusion of a women’s representative game during 2025.

Carlton winger Dayna Finn, who has relocated to Australia from Ireland full-time ahead of her second AFLW season, said Ireland-based players might baulk at travelling for a one-off game in April.

“I reckon there will be a bit of difficulty, because if you’re planning to go back (to Ireland) and play (GAA) championship during May-June, that’s a lot of travel and probably tough mentally and physically,” Finn said.

“But I think the majority of Irish players would jump at the opportunity to play in it.

“I think it would be great for giving more publicity to the AFL at home and reignite that competition between both countries.”