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 growth and popularity of the sport, and it highlights the AFL's struggle to keep up with the NRL in terms of women's football initiatives. The AFLW has shown tremendous potential, with the grand final attracting a record-breaking 53,000 fans in 2019, and yet, the league seems reluctant to capitalize on this momentum. The choice of North Sydney Oval, a smaller venue, instead of the SCG, which could accommodate 48,000 fans, is a strategic blunder. It sends a message that the AFL doesn't fully believe in the women's game's ability to draw large crowds, and this, in turn, undermines the efforts of players and fans alike. The AFL's response to the criticism, which included a list of pubs showing the game on TV, only adds to the perception that the league is not taking the women's competition seriously. This is a critical moment for the AFLW, and the league must take a step back and reassess its priorities. The NRL, on the other hand, has shown a strong commitment to women's football, and this is something the AFL should strive to emulate. The AFL needs to start backing the women's competition wholeheartedly and providing the same level of support and resources as the NRL. This includes scheduling games at prestigious venues, promoting the sport through various media channels, and ensuring that the women's players receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve. The AFL's current approach is a disservice to the women's game and its supporters. It is a missed opportunity to showcase the growth and popularity of the sport, and it highlights the league's struggle to keep up with the NRL in terms of women's football initiatives. The AFL needs to take a more proactive approach and invest in the women's competition to ensure its long-term success and sustainability. In my opinion, the AFL's refusal to move the game to the SCG is a strategic blunder and a missed opportunity to showcase the growth and popularity of the sport. The league must take a step back and reassess its priorities, and it must start backing the women's competition wholeheartedly. Only then can the AFLW truly thrive and reach its full potential.
