The AFL's stubborn refusal to move an international women's game to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about the league's commitment to supporting women's football. This decision, in my opinion, is a missed opportunity to showcase the growing popularity of the sport and to provide a platform for female athletes. The AFL's stance, as highlighted by the Offsiders panel, is particularly embarrassing when compared to the NRL's support for women's football.
The AFLW grand final in 2019 attracted a massive 53,000 fans to the Adelaide Oval, indicating a strong appetite for women's football. The fact that the international clash between Australia and Ireland sold out quickly at the smaller North Sydney Oval suggests that the demand for such events is there. What many people don't realize is that the SCG, with its capacity of 48,000, could have provided a much bigger stage for this historic match. This would have not only increased attendance but also attracted a wider audience, potentially boosting the sport's popularity even further.
The AFL's decision to advertise a list of pubs for viewers to watch the game instead of moving it to a larger venue is baffling. This approach, as former player Lauren Arnell pointed out, limits the game's potential and suggests a lack of faith in the women's competition. The AFL's response, deflecting the criticism and emphasizing the sellout, does not address the core issue of the missed opportunity. In my opinion, the AFL should have gone all out to make this international game a prestige event, and scheduling it at the SCG would have been a significant step in the right direction.
The NRL, on the other hand, has shown a stronger commitment to women's football. By supporting the women's program and providing opportunities for female athletes to be part of significant moments, the NRL has set a positive example. This contrast between the AFL and NRL's approaches raises a deeper question about the league's priorities and its willingness to invest in the growth of women's sports. The AFL needs to take a step back and reconsider its strategy, ensuring that it is not embarrassing itself and the women's competition in the process.
In conclusion, the AFL's refusal to move the international women's game to the SCG is a missed opportunity to showcase the sport's potential. This decision, in my opinion, reflects a lack of understanding of the growing popularity of women's football and a failure to provide a platform for female athletes. The AFL needs to learn from the NRL's success and take bold steps to support and promote women's sports, ensuring that it does not fall behind in the race for equality and inclusivity.
