This was published 8 months ago
‘Be loud and proud’: Top female athletes on pay, power, passion … and GOATs
By Carla Jaeger, Billie Eder, Emma Kemp and Marnie Vinall
Top athletes answer the burning questions on International Women’s Day.Credit: Marija Ercegovac
What development has changed the game in your career? If you were in power, what would you do to improve the position of female athletes? What would you tell your 10-year-old self? Who is your GOAT? (Any sport, any gender.) What can be done to regularly attract bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia? We asked these questions of six top athletes for International Women’s Day. And, a cheeky one designed for a cheeky answer: Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
What’s the most significant development in women’s sport since you began your sporting career, and why was it a game-changer?
The media coverage has improved (I still think it has a way to go) but this has pushed our sport to more commercial partners, more fans and more netball players who are not connected to the sport at the elite level.
Your advice to your 10-year-old self.
That there is nothing embarrassing about not being ‘good’ at something straight away. Try every sport, hobby or activity so you can find one that you love and connects you with people you enjoy being surrounded by.
Jo Weston would tell her 10-year-old self there’s nothing embarrassing about failure.Credit: Getty Images
One change you’d make to improve the position of female athletes in your sport.
I would increase the minimum wage for our playing group so every player can have the same opportunities to pursue their sporting career.
What will it take to regularly draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
I think creating an atmosphere and providing an experience that makes fans want to come back time and time again. There also needs to be investment in building a relationship between the crowds and the athletes, so people come not just to support their team but also their favourite player.
Who is the GOAT?
For me, it is still Roger Federer.
Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
The blonde dye jobs are better. Seems to be a bit more toner going around.
The most significant development.
I’ve been lucky enough to come into the women’s game at a time of significant investment which means we are all professional athletes and can dedicate all our time and energy toward our cricket careers. Following the most recent MOU [memorandum of understanding], cricket is now the most lucrative team sport for women. With the international playing opportunities on offer, some of our top players are able to earn over seven figures but all of us are able to earn a living whilst doing something we love.
The off-field investments are critical as well, allowing us to train more in elite environments with access to world-class staff and resources. The investment in promoting the game also ensures we’re more visible and allows young kids to aspire to be in our shoes one day. One in four kids playing Woolworths Cricket Blast are girls, so we’re on the right track.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to your 10-year-old self?
Don’t be afraid to dream – I would have never thought I’d be travelling the world with some of my best friends playing a sport I love for a living, but now knowing what’s possible I’d encourage all kids to follow their dreams.
Australian bowler Annabel Sutherland celebrates after claiming the wicket of Tazmin Brits.Credit: AAP
If you were in a position of power, what’s one change you’d make to improve the position of female athletes in your sport?
It’s important the game continues to grow internationally, so that would be a big focus to ensure all cricketers are afforded the opportunities and access to elite environments that we are. The backing of commercial partners certainly helps. Women’s sport across the globe is growing at a rapid rate and commercial partners have been crucial in making that happen, so getting more brands to see the opportunities that exist, and the value of the women’s game, would be something I’d push.
What will it take to regularly draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
We’re definitely seeing the momentum build around women’s sports and have done since nearly 90,000 fans packed out the MCG for the T20 World Cup final in 2020. The WBBL attracted record audiences last season through the stadium series and finals, and we played in front of great crowds during the Ashes in England last year. The WPL is huge here in India [where Sutherland is playing for Delhi Capitals] and the Matildas are consistently selling out venues and other sports are growing their audiences. We need to make sure we build on all the momentum by investing in promotion to ensure fans know how and why they should support, and make it as accessible as possible by playing in bigger stadiums where possible.
A packed MCG saw Australia win the T20 World Cup … and Katy Perry.Credit: AAP
In your opinion, who is the GOAT?
Anyone with sustained success and longevity in a sport. LeBron James, Ellyse Perry, Katie Ledecky all come to mind!
Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
That’s just a given isn’t it?! I’d love to see the day when it’s just sport, and not given a title based on gender. That’s the ultimate dream!
The most significant development.
The way women sport is broadcast. How easy and accessible it is to watch female athletes compete. The biggest development is how much coverage women’s sport gets, whether that be print, radio or TV. There are dedicated female sport shows highlighting and dissecting the games.
Your advice to your 10-year-old self.
Be loud and proud to be a female athlete, and if girls aren’t playing the sport, then be the first to do it.
Chloe Molloy signed the longest deal in AFLW history to move from Collingwood to the Swans.Credit: Getty
One change you’d make.
I think every AFLW athlete would say this, but I would have the base wage of a footballer be substantial enough that we didn’t have to work another job and football could be the main source of income.
What will it take to regularly draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
An unforgettable game-day experience, creating an environment that is exciting to be a part of. I think athletes themselves display great entertainment through their sporting capabilities, for example [with] uncanny goals, moves etc. But we want to keep our fans engaged, and make game day easy and fun.
Who is the GOAT?
Belinda Clark – not only was she incredible with the bat in hand, breaking records, captaining the Australian cricket team to World Cups, but also the work she does now with up-and-coming female athletes, young girls and her leadership program. She is also a very caring, kind and good person despite all of her sporting achievements.
Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
I don’t think it is ‘better’ than mens sport. Sport is sport and I admire any athletes in the respective code. I get enjoyment watching any athlete compete, the passion and drive that we have as athletes to be the genuine best.
The most significant development.
The collective bargaining agreement for the NRLW. That was a huge step forward for us in women’s sport, and I can only speak on behalf of rugby league, but it was the first CBA to exist in our sport and take it away from being under the men’s umbrella. It’s pretty amazing to be where it’s at now, and there’s lots of room for growth, but definitely steps in the right direction. For us, a really big one was financial security and being able to sign multi-year deals for the first time ever – that never existed [until 2023]; we were always on three- or four-month contracts with such a short season, so if you got injured outside of those contracts that could jeopardise your next contract for the year, which was really dicey for us.
Smart scheduling is key to bigger crowds for NRLW star Tiana Penitani.Credit: Getty
Your advice to your 10-year-old self.
I think the best piece of advice would be to dream big because the opportunities are endless. Being my 10-year-old self, there were definitely a lot of huge dreams, and to just chase them hard and just stay true to your authentic self, you don’t have to be anyone else.
One change you’d make.
I would improve the facilities. Some clubs are really fortunate and share the boys’ stuff, but I think I would make them [women] full-time athletes and give them legitimate facilities to be able to perfect their craft.
What will it take to regularly draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
It’s going to take a little bit of time, but I feel as though, between broadcast, and between the governing body, being the NRL or the AFL or whatever, there needs to be a lot of work and investment in promotion and even scheduling. I think our numbers are a lot better when they’re more convenient for people. Say for example, sometimes double-header games are better in terms of attendance and getting bums on seats because a lot of the time people don’t have the luxury to bring their kids to the footy twice a week. Just being really savvy around scheduling and promotion I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement there for all sports.
Who is the GOAT?
I would have to say, and I’ve been a fan of her since as long as I can remember, Serena Williams. She’s just incredible, and she forged a career and her GOAT status in a time when there were still so many invisible barriers for women in sport, and she’s a powerhouse.
Serena Williams is Tiana Penitani’s GOAT.Credit: AP
Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
I don’t really know the difference to be honest, I don’t actually compare men and women’s sport ... They’re amazing in their own right.
The most significant development.
Since I started my career it’s purely just becoming professional. As soon as the big sports started offering female athletes contracts, that’s when competitiveness just soars, and you’re able to focus solely on your sport. For me, that was definitely a game-changer.
Tameka Yallop says sport has to offer entertainment as well as an exceptional product.Credit: Eddie Jim
One change you would make.
Bring other women up with me in positions of power, where we need them to help our game move forward. Really bridge that gender gap.
Your advice to your 10-year-old self.
Always be willing to learn, whether you’re learning from somebody who is an amazing role model, or maybe not the best role model. There’s something different to learn from everybody, so always keep an open mind.
What will it take to draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
Showcasing the pure passion and emotion that we have in women’s sport, and also it’s an event coming to one of our games, [even if] you’re there early for the warm-up. And half-time is not just a bathroom break, it’s entertaining in itself. Hosting top quality competition is a big factor as well.
Who is the GOAT?
I think a GOAT is more than being the absolute best at something. It comes down to circumstances and barriers that you have to knock over. So, I’m gonna say a shout-out to the Williams sisters.
Why is women’s sport better than men’s sport?
I honestly think it’s the pure, fiery passion that you get in women’s sport. I don’t think it’s quite like anything you see in the men’s game.
The most significant development.
The remarkable expansion in youth development programs. The abundance of opportunities and pathways available for our younger generation is truly remarkable. This development is a game-changer because increased youth involvement not only enhances the depth of talent but also fosters a stronger selection system as they transition into adulthood. It lays a solid foundation for the future of women’s sports, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness.
One change you would make.
I would prioritise enhancing media platforms to better showcase the incredible talent of female athletes. In today’s age, it’s disheartening to see so many exceptionally skilled women receiving insufficient recognition and coverage. It’s time to elevate their voices and achievements to the prominence they truly deserve.
Madison Ashby scores against Canada.Credit: Getty
Your advice to your 10-year-old self.
My top advice would be to engage in a variety of sports whenever possible. Every skill learned contributes to becoming a more well-rounded athlete. Diversifying your athletic experiences enhances your skill set and overall athletic portfolio, paving the way to become a versatile and adaptable competitor.
What will it take to draw bigger crowds to women’s sport in Australia?
A key factor would undoubtedly be improving media coverage. Just consider the immense support the Matildas received when they were in the spotlight. By enhancing media visibility for other sports like cricket, rugby sevens, and netball, we could tap into an incredible audience potential, rallying nationwide enthusiasm and engagement.
Who is the GOAT?
In my opinion, the greatest of all time is Charlotte Caslick. Her impressive array of accolades speaks volumes about her incredible talent and dedication. As both a teammate and friend, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first hand her remarkable contributions to the sport, cementing her legacy as one of the true greats.
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