The AFL Women’s (AFLW) league has redefined the sporting landscape in Australia, providing a professional platform for women in Australian rules football. But when exactly did this groundbreaking competition begin? The first AFLW season took place in 2017, marking a historic moment not just for football but for women in sports. This article dives into the origins of AFLW, its inaugural season, and its impact on the sporting world.
A Historic Moment: The Launch of AFLW in 2017
The AFLW officially launched in 2017, with the inaugural season running from February 3 to March 25. This landmark moment came after years of advocacy for women’s professional football and the AFL’s commitment to gender equality in the sport.
Why Was AFLW Created?
- Growing Participation: Women’s football was one of the fastest-growing sports in Australia, with over 500,000 female players participating in community and state leagues by 2016.
- Demand for Professional Opportunities: Despite this growth, there was no professional league for female players, leaving a significant gap in the sport.
- Commitment to Inclusion: The AFL recognized the need to promote inclusivity and diversity within its competitions, leading to the creation of AFLW.
The Inaugural AFLW Season: A Closer Look
The first AFLW season featured eight teams, all associated with established AFL clubs. These were:
- Adelaide Crows
- Brisbane Lions
- Carlton
- Collingwood
- Fremantle
- Greater Western Sydney Giants
- Melbourne
- Western Bulldogs
Key Highlights of the 2017 AFLW Season
- The First Game:
The AFLW kicked off with a historic match between Carlton and Collingwood at Ikon Park on February 3, 2017. The game drew a crowd of 24,568 fans, exceeding expectations and showcasing the public’s appetite for women’s football. - Grand Final:
The inaugural Grand Final was held on March 25, 2017, with the Adelaide Crows defeating the Brisbane Lions to become the first-ever AFLW premiers. - Player Impact:
Players like Erin Phillips (Adelaide Crows) emerged as stars, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans.
The Journey to AFLW: A Timeline of Milestones
While the AFLW officially began in 2017, its journey started decades earlier, with women playing Australian rules football at the grassroots level. Here’s a brief timeline of events leading to the AFLW:
- 1915: The first recorded women’s Australian rules football game took place in Perth.
- 1980s–1990s: Women’s state leagues began to form, with competitions in Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
- 2010: The AFL staged the first women’s exhibition match, showcasing the potential for a professional league.
- 2013: Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs played the first official women’s exhibition game under AFL management.
- 2016: The AFL announced the creation of the AFLW, with the inaugural season set for 2017.
The Impact of AFLW’s First Year
The launch of AFLW in 2017 was more than just a sporting milestone—it was a cultural shift. Here are some ways the league made an impact:
1. Breaking Attendance Records
The inaugural season’s attendance figures were staggering, with matches regularly drawing crowds of over 6,000 fans. The Grand Final at Metricon Stadium attracted 15,610 fans, cementing AFLW’s place in Australian sport.
2. Media and Broadcast Success
AFLW games were broadcast live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, and the AFL’s digital platforms. Millions of Australians tuned in, with the first game alone drawing over 1 million TV viewers.
3. Player Inspiration
The AFLW provided a professional pathway for female athletes, inspiring countless young girls to take up football. Stars like Erin Phillips, Daisy Pearce, and Tayla Harris became household names.
Challenges Faced by AFLW in Its First Year
While the inaugural season was a success, it wasn’t without challenges:
- Short Fixture:
The 2017 season featured only seven rounds, leaving fans and players wanting more. - Pay Disparities:
Player salaries were modest, ranging from $8,500 to $17,000, reflecting the league’s semi-professional status at the time. - Limited Resources:
Teams had limited access to facilities and support compared to their AFL counterparts.
How the AFLW Has Grown Since 2017
The AFLW has come a long way since its first season, with significant advancements in pay, professionalism, and league expansion.
1. Expansion of Teams
From the original eight teams, the AFLW has grown to include all 18 AFL clubs by the 2022 season. This expansion has provided more opportunities for players and fans across Australia.
2. Improved Player Salaries
Thanks to collective bargaining agreements, player wages have increased dramatically. As of 2022, the average player salary was $46,280, with top-tier players earning up to $71,935.
3. Longer Seasons
The league has gradually extended its fixture, with plans to move toward a 14–17 game season in the future.
4. Cultural Significance
The AFLW has become a platform for promoting diversity, with themed rounds such as the Indigenous Round and Pride Round resonating deeply with fans.
The Future of AFLW
The AFLW’s first season in 2017 was a historic moment, but it was just the beginning. Here’s what the future holds:
- Full-Time Professionalism:
The AFL aims to transition AFLW players to full-time contracts, allowing them to focus entirely on football. - Global Reach:
While AFLW is firmly rooted in Australia, its success has sparked interest internationally, with initiatives to promote the game abroad. - Youth Development:
Grassroots programs like Auskick are nurturing the next generation of female footballers, ensuring a bright future for the league.
Conclusion: 2017, the Year That Changed AFL Forever
So, what year was the first AFLW? 2017 will forever be remembered as the year women’s Australian rules football took its rightful place on the professional stage. The success of that inaugural season laid the foundation for a league that continues to grow, inspire, and break barriers.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the game, the AFLW’s journey from 2017 to today is a story worth celebrating. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a movement that has changed Australian culture for the better.
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Were you part of the historic first AFLW season? Share your memories or thoughts in the comments below! Stay updated on AFLW fixtures, news, and milestones by visiting the AFLW Official Website.
See Also: How much do AFLW players get paid?
