AFL announce eight teams for the 2017 National Women’s League

AFL NSW/ACT are delighted that that the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS will field a team in the new National Women’s League (NWL) in 2017.

History was made when AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick announced the clubs that have been granted a licence to compete in the inaugural season.

The Adelaide Crows, the Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, the GWS GIANTS, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs were named as the successful applicants after the AFL Commission ruled on the submissions yesterday.

The GIANTS’ successful bid detailed the club’s experience in establishing a new AFL team, its capacity to house a women’s team immediately and its commitment to driving inclusion and diversity in the New South Wales and ACT communities.

AFL NSW/ACT CEO Sam Graham said that today’s announcement was a great result for female athletes in NSW and the ACT.

“Female Football is the fastest growing participation segment in NSW and the ACT. Having an NWL team based in this market is a key component of being able to provide opportunities and pathways from NAB AFL Auskick and Youth Girls Club Footy through to Talent Academies and now an elite national competition.”

GIANTS CEO David Matthews added; “This is one of the most significant announcements in the game’s history and certainly one of the most important things the GIANTS will ever do.”

“We are in the unique positon of having a proven track record when it comes to building a club from the ground up. We know what it takes to establish a new team and take the game to all corners of the community from day one.

“Our objectives in establishing a women’s AFL team are also aligned to the AFL’s broader strategic aims of providing comprehensive pathways for female athletes and developing a truly national code.

“We have world class facilities and play out of some of the best stadia in the country which will provide the ideal platform for growing the women’s game. We are proud to be the flag bearers for female athletes looking to play Australian Football in New South Wales and the ACT and can’t wait for the inaugural NWL season to get under way next year.”

The AFL will now work with the clubs on planning for the inaugural NWL season with further details of the 2017 NWL competition forthcoming in due course.

Click here for more information on female football in NSW/ACT.