AFLW AFLW 2022 Season news - UPDATE - Priority picks awarded to 5 teams plus new draft order.

NO AFLW EXPANSION EXPECTED IN 2022
BY NIC NEGREPONTIS AN HOUR AGO
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The AFLW competition appears certain to remain at 14 teams for the upcoming 2022 season.
The league has expanded quickly since 2017, jumping from eight to 10 to 14 in its first four seasons.

Hawthorn, Essendon, Sydney and Port Adelaide remain on the outside for different reasons.
The Hawks in both 2016 and 2018 stated they either weren’t ready or did not yet want an AFLW side, while the Bombers and Power similarly stated they weren’t yet ready back when the previous licenses were awarded.
Sydney faces a different challenge, as they and GWS attempt to build women’s footy from scratch in New South Wales.

A final decision on what the 2022 AFLW season will look like is set to come next week, but SEN Chief Reporter Sam Edmund believes the recommendation will be to hold at 14 teams next year.

“The AFLW competition committee met yesterday in what was a crucial sit down to map out where the league goes from here, what it looks like and when it’s actually going to be held,” Edmund told SEN Breakfast.

“The four AFL clubs yet to be admitted into the competition are all pushing to enter the league, particularly Hawthorn and Essendon, who are adamant they should be able to field a side next year.

“Yesterday that committee was strong on there being no expansion and they have put that recommendation to the Commission.

“It’s sounding like the gates will be locked on expansion in the short term. The Commission will make a final decision on the structure next week.”

The COVID-19 crisis hit AFLW particularly hard. The Victorian talent pool, which will eventually be expected to carry 10 teams, was setback a full year at both VFLW and NAB League levels because of the lockdowns across 2020.

Key figures in AFLW, including St Kilda coach Peta Searle, Carlton coach Daniel Harford and premiership Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich, have all called for a period of consolidation and a break from expansion at various stages this year.
Starcevich was particularly strong following the AFLW Grand Final.

"It's painful when (expansion) happens and I reckon the next phase of it should just calm the farm for a little while,” he said.

"Let's wait for a few years because I don't want to go through that again and I suspect the 14 current clubs don't want to go through that again."

Another factor in this is timing. The six original expansion teams received the nod of approval more than 12 months out, giving them time to recruit both players and staff.
Given it’s currently May and the AFLW trade period is set to start this month, bringing new teams in as soon as 2022 would be a logistical nightmare.
The next big topic in AFLW is when the competition will start.

The Age’s Daniel Cherny reported earlier in the week that there is a push to start the season in December, limiting crossover with the men’s season.
Edmund adds that Richmond CEO Brendon Gale raised the issue of overworked staff at the meeting yesterday.

“Brendon Gale was particularly vocal and critical in this meeting of the AFL over the workload and staff shortages at the clubs, particularly after the AFLW season overlapped significantly earlier this year,” Edmund said.

“It now appears inevitable that the AFLW season starts earlier in December as forecast. Up against the cricket and the Australian Open, but it has more clear from the AFL and eases stretched football departments after the soft cap reductions there.

“In many cases these clubs are horribly understaffed when juggling two programs.”

Starting the AFLW season in December would have to be approved by the AFLPA, given the shift would impact work commitments and mean playing through the entirety of summer.
 
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Jeff Kennett quote 2017
"Why would we be in a WOMEN'S Comp? We're here to win AFL games & premierships, no thanks"
Jeff Kennett quote 2021
"If we don't get a license this season it would be discrimination of the worst kind"
Sorry Jeffy, you can't have it both ways🤣😂🤦‍♂️
 
Tayla Harris’ future in the balance; multi-club races for guns run and won: Mega AFLW trade wrap
Tom Morris from Fox Sports
May 6th, 2021 4:03 pm
Get the latest AFLW trade news.


AFLW superstars Darcy Vescio and Chloe Molloy are set to pen two-year contracts at Carlton and Collingwood respectively, while Geelong’s Olivia Purcell is set to defect to Melbourne.
The AFLW silly season is ramping up ahead of an expected trade period in late May or early June, with a host of high profile guns yet to formally sign on the dotted line.
Blues forward Vescio was courted by St Kilda and Geelong but has agreed to terms on a deal that will keep her at Ikon Park for another two years, her agent Alex Saundry confirmed to Foxfooty.com.au on Thursday.

Premiers Brisbane believed they were an outside chance to snare Molloy after she spent a portion of last year in Queensland with her partner, but St Kilda came hardest for the crafty matchwinner, while Geelong also made an ultimately futile pitch.

But the Magpies will be relieved to know the All-Australian intends to shun large financial proposals from rival clubs and remain in black and white for two more seasons, which is the maximum length contract in women’s football at the moment.

Elsewhere, Richmond and Monique Conti won’t be separating anytime soon. The gun ball-winner will sign on and the only question is whether she does so for one or two seasons.

Cats midfielder Purcell was also being wooed by St Kilda but sources have confirmed the Demons are likely to win her signature.

Purcell’s ACL injury could keep her out until midway through the next AFLW season but it’s understood she’s keen to play for a team that’s contending and the Demons are clearly closer to a flag than the struggling Cats.

Also at Geelong, Richelle Cranston could be on the move but so far there has not been much interest for her services. Clubs say the Cats have been shopping her around, with limited success so far.

Richmond skipper Katie Brennan will remain at Punt Road, likely on a two-year arrangement. Her manager and the club are working through the finer details of the contract following a career-best campaign.

The same applies to Jess Hosking and Carlton, who are both keen to remain together but are yet to come to a financial agreement. Her sister, Sarah Hosking, still has a year to run on her deal at Tigerland.


Young Tigers star Ellie McKenzie penned a one-year deal after she was taken with Pick 1 in the AFLW draft and will recommit to a new contract – likely two years – in the coming weeks.

Ellie McKenzie starred in her first AFLW season. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Ellie McKenzie starred in her first AFLW season. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

GWS on-baller Jess Dal Pos received interest from Geelong but is more likely to end up at Carlton. Her reasons for leaving the Giants are more to do with the fact she’s about to finish at paramedics course than anything football related.

Carlton’s Tayla Harris looms as the big news story of the trade period. The Blues won’t say it publicly, but they would entertain offers from other clubs for the 24-year-old. It’s understood Harris would prefer to stay at Carlton but there is little doubt the relationship between her and the club has deteriorated after Foxfooty.com.au revealed she left training early to post an Instagram photo one night.

Sources say it’s not irreconcilable, but will take some serious work for Harris to remain at Ikon Park in 2022.

At the Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn is certain to ink a new two-year deal. When she was last out of contract, rival teams had a crack at getting her. But not this time. There is a general acceptance around the AFLW industry that the gun ball-winner is going nowhere.

The Dogs are also a strong chance to lure Elle Bennetts from GWS, who has a link to coach Nathan Burke through her teaching career in Bayside Melbourne.

At Fremantle, an intriguing situation looms with Kara and Ebony Antonio, who are both out of contract.

As it stands, there is a significant chasm between the Dockers’ financial proposal and the figure the players have asked for. Negotiations are ongoing but are moving slowly.

Richmond forward Sabrina Frederick is out of contract after an underwhelming season and has received attention from Collingwood. The Tigers tried her in defence for a stint late in the year but she struggled to have an impact.

Clubs are hopeful the trade period will take place in late May after it was delayed last month. The Commission meeting on May 12 looms large for several reasons: Expansion, concessions for up to five clubs and the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Clubs and player agents are free to lock in one-year deals, but there is uncertainty on the second year until the league determines the salary cap beyond next season.

The aforementioned big fish (Vescio, Molloy, Brennan and Blackburn) can all agree to terms but are unlikely to formally sign until the CBA is finalised.
 
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Tayla Harris’ future in the balance; multi-club races for guns run and won: Mega AFLW trade wrap
Tom Morris from Fox Sports
May 6th, 2021 4:03 pm
Get the latest AFLW trade news.


AFLW superstars Darcy Vescio and Chloe Molloy are set to pen two-year contracts at Carlton and Collingwood respectively, while Geelong’s Olivia Purcell is set to defect to Melbourne.
The AFLW silly season is ramping up ahead of an expected trade period in late May or early June, with a host of high profile guns yet to formally sign on the dotted line.
Blues forward Vescio was courted by St Kilda and Geelong but has agreed to terms on a deal that will keep her at Ikon Park for another two years, her agent Alex Saundry confirmed to Foxfooty.com.au on Thursday.

Premiers Brisbane believed they were an outside chance to snare Molloy after she spent a portion of last year in Queensland with her partner, but St Kilda came hardest for the crafty matchwinner, while Geelong also made an ultimately futile pitch.

But the Magpies will be relieved to know the All-Australian intends to shun large financial proposals from rival clubs and remain in black and white for two more seasons, which is the maximum length contract in women’s football at the moment.

Elsewhere, Richmond and Monique Conti won’t be separating anytime soon. The gun ball-winner will sign on and the only question is whether she does so for one or two seasons.

Cats midfielder Purcell was also being wooed by St Kilda but sources have confirmed the Demons are likely to win her signature.

Purcell’s ACL injury could keep her out until midway through the next AFLW season but it’s understood she’s keen to play for a team that’s contending and the Demons are clearly closer to a flag than the struggling Cats.

Also at Geelong, Richelle Cranston could be on the move but so far there has not been much interest for her services. Clubs say the Cats have been shopping her around, with limited success so far.

Richmond skipper Katie Brennan will remain at Punt Road, likely on a two-year arrangement. Her manager and the club are working through the finer details of the contract following a career-best campaign.

The same applies to Jess Hosking and Carlton, who are both keen to remain together but are yet to come to a financial agreement. Her sister, Sarah Hosking, still has a year to run on her deal at Tigerland.


Young Tigers star Ellie McKenzie penned a one-year deal after she was taken with Pick 1 in the AFLW draft and will recommit to a new contract – likely two years – in the coming weeks.

Ellie McKenzie starred in her first AFLW season. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Ellie McKenzie starred in her first AFLW season. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

GWS on-baller Jess Dal Pos received interest from Geelong but is more likely to end up at Carlton. Her reasons for leaving the Giants are more to do with the fact she’s about to finish at paramedics course than anything football related.

Carlton’s Tayla Harris looms as the big news story of the trade period. The Blues won’t say it publicly, but they would entertain offers from other clubs for the 24-year-old. It’s understood Harris would prefer to stay at Carlton but there is little doubt the relationship between her and the club has deteriorated after Foxfooty.com.au revealed she left training early to post an Instagram photo one night.

Sources say it’s not irreconcilable, but will take some serious work for Harris to remain at Ikon Park in 2022.

At the Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn is certain to ink a new two-year deal. When she was last out of contract, rival teams had a crack at getting her. But not this time. There is a general acceptance around the AFLW industry that the gun ball-winner is going nowhere.

The Dogs are also a strong chance to lure Elle Bennetts from GWS, who has a link to coach Nathan Burke through her teaching career in Bayside Melbourne.

At Fremantle, an intriguing situation looms with Kara and Ebony Antonio, who are both out of contract.

As it stands, there is a significant chasm between the Dockers’ financial proposal and the figure the players have asked for. Negotiations are ongoing but are moving slowly.

Richmond forward Sabrina Frederick is out of contract after an underwhelming season and has received attention from Collingwood. The Tigers tried her in defence for a stint late in the year but she struggled to have an impact.

Clubs are hopeful the trade period will take place in late May after it was delayed last month. The Commission meeting on May 12 looms large for several reasons: Expansion, concessions for up to five clubs and the next Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Clubs and player agents are free to lock in one-year deals, but there is uncertainty on the second year until the league determines the salary cap beyond next season.

The aforementioned big fish (Vescio, Molloy, Brennan and Blackburn) can all agree to terms but are unlikely to formally sign until the CBA is finalised.

Yeah Monique Conti, Katie Brennan, Ellie McKenzie, are hopefully signing 2 year contract extensions

Richmond forward Sabrina Frederick is out of contract after an underwhelming season and has received attention from Collingwood.
Interesting, would we entertain a trade for their 1st pick?
 
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No mention of any targets however our stars look like signing max 2y deals. We really need to trade in some qty to add to our core , wonder if hosking sister Jess would be a worthy addition
.

We really need to trade in some qty to add to our core
do we really need to?
It;s a yes if we get a concession pick, on traded for a player, like last year or if Fredericks moves on, other wise i'm inclined to go to the draft predominantly
We've delisted a lot of young players in the past 2 seasons and unless we get a very good 24-25 year old that fills a hole, i don't think it would be worth it
A lot of very good young players in this years draft could fit straight in our best 21 next season
we have 13 players in the 26-34 age group and 13 players in 19-25

wonder if hosking sister Jess would be a worthy addition
i highly doubt Carlton would want to let her go, especially with the Tayla Harris thing going on
 
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We really need to trade in some qty to add to our core
do we really need to?
It;s a yes if we get a concession pick, on traded for a player, like last year or if Fredericks moves on, other wise i'm inclined to go to the draft predominantly
We've delisted a lot of young players in the past 2 seasons and unless we get a very good 24-25 year old that fills a hole, i don't think it would be worth it
A lot of very good young players in this years draft could fit straight in our best 21 next season
we have 13 players in the 26-34 age group and 13 players in 19-25

wonder if hosking sister Jess would be a worthy addition
i highly doubt Carlton would want to let her go, especially with the Tayla Harris thing going on
Curious where Harris ends up, I expect a club will roll dice and pay her more than blues , maybe not 150 but decent wack. I heard kB was on 100k with us , incl marketing
 
MAY 13. 2021. 11:15 AM
AFLW expansion: Four new clubs, no more AFL overlap
Sarah Black

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Brisbane players celebrate their 2021 NAB AFLW Grand Final win over Adelaide on April 17, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

ALL 18 clubs will have a NAB AFL Women's team by the end of 2023, with the AFL Commission throwing the doors open to expansion and bringing the start of the season forward to December.
The next AFLW season will begin in December this year to give the 10-round competition clear air and prevent an overlap with the AFL competition, with the Grand Final to be held in mid-March, 2022.
But that season – also known as season six – will still be contested by the existing 14 AFLW teams.

The clubs without AFLW teams – Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney – have now been invited to submit proposals by July 9 as to why they should be included as early as season seven, which is likely to start at the end of 2022, with details to be worked through.
A decision on when the four new clubs will be admitted will be made at the AFL Commission meeting in August.

After its beginnings as an eight-team competition in 2017, the AFLW will consist of 18 teams when season eight starts in late 2023.
North Melbourne and Geelong joined in 2019, with Gold Coast, Richmond, St Kilda and West Coast added the following year.
Female participation numbers have risen by 100 per cent since 2015, with more than 600,000 female participants and more than 67,000 women and girls playing the game each week.
 
MAY 13. 2021. 11:15 AM
Statement: Commission endorses AFLW expansion, December start

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The first bounce of the 2021 NAB AFLW Grand Final between Adelaide and Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on April 17, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

- AFL Commission endorses further expansion of NAB AFLW Competition
- All 18 AFL clubs to have an AFLW team by 2023
- NAB AFLW Season Six to begin in December 2021 and have clear air throughout

The AFL is calling for submissions from Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and the Sydney Swans to join the NAB AFL Women's Competition after the AFL Commission this week gave the green light for further expansion of the competition.

The Commission has committed to all 18 AFL clubs having a NAB AFLW team by the beginning of Season Eight – 2023, with the ability for clubs, based on their submissions and readiness, to be admitted into the competition as early as Season Seven – 2022.

The decision to expand the competition again, after the AFLW was expanded from eight teams to 10 teams in 2019 and then to 14 teams in 2020, comes as the number of girls and women playing football had grown to more than 600,000.

The four clubs seeking an AFLW licence have been given until July 9, 2021 to provide a submission on their readiness to enter the national competition, including detailing their team build strategy, corporate support and facilities.

The AFL Commission expects to make a decision on the club submissions at its meeting in August this year.
We don't feel that the competition is whole without all 18 clubs and we know from the clubs that they don't feel whole now without an AFLW team
Gillon McLachlan
The AFL Commission has also endorsed a change in the timing of the NAB AFLW Competition to ensure the elite women's season has its own window from Round One through to the Grand Final, removing any overlap with the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

This timing provides an ability to optimise the audience and coverage, particularly for the NAB AFLW Finals Series, as well as supporting other considerations such as maximising attendance and participation objectives.

Season Six, which will increase from nine rounds to 10 rounds plus three weeks of finals, will now begin in December 2021 with the NAB AFLW Grand Final to be held in mid-March ahead of the opening round of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

In the short term, the AFL will work with the existing 14 AFLW clubs to ensure that when an 18- team competition occurs they will be in the best position to continue to grow and be competitive, while also working with the expansion teams on talent pathways and list building to ensure they have access to experienced players and that the emerging player pathways are supported to drive the demand for new talent.
 
AFLW: The Future is Bright
02:50MAY 12. 2021. 5:00 PM

The AFL remains focused on converting the growth of the game at a junior level, providing
players with the best opportunity and pathways to enhance their skills and be ready to make an immediate impact across the extra 120 playing spots available once an 18-team competition eventuates.

Expansion to the remaining four clubs would immediately deliver a further two million-strong supporter base to follow an AFLW Club and also significantly increase the number of club corporate partners who could support the broader competition.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the Commission's view was that in order to accelerate the growth of the NAB AFLW Competition and accelerate the need to deliver greater opportunities for AFLW players, it was important to engage all 18 AFL Clubs and their supporter bases.

Mr McLachlan said AFLW was driving massive growth among girls and women with more than 600,000 female participants and more than 67,000 women and girls playing the game each week – a jump of 100% on 2015 numbers.

"The NAB AFLW Competition has built a new audience base for the code with some 4.5m AFLW fans, 155,908 attendees, 6.1m viewers and an incredible 20 per cent of supporters who are new or first new time AFL attendees," Mr McLachlan said.
We have 420 women playing the game at the elite level and that will grow to 540 players by the time all four remaining AFL clubs join the competition
Nicole Livingstone
"But we don't feel that the competition is whole without all 18 clubs and we know from the clubs that they don't feel whole now without an AFLW team. AFLW is not just a competition that makes our game better but a culture that makes our whole industry better.

"We have seen the interest grow as we went from eight teams to 10 and then to 14 and we expect that growth to continue as we move to engage all 18 Clubs and their supporters. Clubs and their supporters want to be part of the AFLW, and we want another two million supporters to get behind their AFLW teams, Mr McLachlan said.

"AFLW has significant momentum and we want to keep that momentum and bring the power and the supporter base behind all 18 clubs before the end of 2024. The standard of play has continued to lift as we have expanded the competition and we are seeing more free-flowing and attacking football as more talent comes through the pathways.

AFL General Manager Women's Football Nicole Livingstone said AFLW already was the single biggest employer of professional sportswomen in the country.
"We have 420 women playing the game at the elite level and that will grow to 540 players by the time all four remaining AFL clubs join the competition," Ms Livingstone said.

"We have created a clear pathway for girls and women from Auskick to the elite competition and we are committed to continuing to work with the players, the AFLPA and the clubs over the coming years to ensure AFLW is not only the sport of choice for women but it is a sport that provides more women the opportunity to choose to make it the career of choice."
 
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AFLW: The Future is Bright
02:50MAY 12. 2021. 5:00 PM

The AFL remains focused on converting the growth of the game at a junior level, providing
players with the best opportunity and pathways to enhance their skills and be ready to make an immediate impact across the extra 120 playing spots available once an 18-team competition eventuates.

Expansion to the remaining four clubs would immediately deliver a further two million-strong supporter base to follow an AFLW Club and also significantly increase the number of club corporate partners who could support the broader competition.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the Commission's view was that in order to accelerate the growth of the NAB AFLW Competition and accelerate the need to deliver greater opportunities for AFLW players, it was important to engage all 18 AFL Clubs and their supporter bases.

Mr McLachlan said AFLW was driving massive growth among girls and women with more than 600,000 female participants and more than 67,000 women and girls playing the game each week – a jump of 100% on 2015 numbers.

"The NAB AFLW Competition has built a new audience base for the code with some 4.5m AFLW fans, 155,908 attendees, 6.1m viewers and an incredible 20 per cent of supporters who are new or first new time AFL attendees," Mr McLachlan said.

"But we don't feel that the competition is whole without all 18 clubs and we know from the clubs that they don't feel whole now without an AFLW team. AFLW is not just a competition that makes our game better but a culture that makes our whole industry better.

"We have seen the interest grow as we went from eight teams to 10 and then to 14 and we expect that growth to continue as we move to engage all 18 Clubs and their supporters. Clubs and their supporters want to be part of the AFLW, and we want another two million supporters to get behind their AFLW teams, Mr McLachlan said.

"AFLW has significant momentum and we want to keep that momentum and bring the power and the supporter base behind all 18 clubs before the end of 2024. The standard of play has continued to lift as we have expanded the competition and we are seeing more free-flowing and attacking football as more talent comes through the pathways.

AFL General Manager Women's Football Nicole Livingstone said AFLW already was the single biggest employer of professional sportswomen in the country.
"We have 420 women playing the game at the elite level and that will grow to 540 players by the time all four remaining AFL clubs join the competition," Ms Livingstone said.

"We have created a clear pathway for girls and women from Auskick to the elite competition and we are committed to continuing to work with the players, the AFLPA and the clubs over the coming years to ensure AFLW is not only the sport of choice for women but it is a sport that provides more women the opportunity to choose to make it the career of choice."

Here we go, with 2 years of compromised drafts coming up 🤦‍♂️
 
Here we go, with 2 years of compromised drafts coming up 🤦‍♂️


Top 4 teams combined ladder stats in 2021

28 wins 8 losses 176.14%


Bottom 4

6 wins 30 Losses 49.10%


This bringing in 4 new teams in 2 years is great if you want an EPL type of competition where the strong get stronger as the weak get weaker. It is simply delusional if you are working towards an even competition.

You would hate to be Geelong. They are about to lose their second best player. Their best is coming off two ACL's and they need to replace 8 players aged 30 or more in the short term with supposedly 4 new teams coming in. Good luck with that cats!!!
 
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Top 4 teams combined ladder stats in 2021

28 wins 8 losses 176.14%


Bottom 4

6 wins 30 Losses 49.10%


This bringing in 4 new teams in 2 years is great if you want an EPL type of competition where the strong get stronger as the weak get weaker. It is simply delusional if you are working towards an even competition.

You would hate to be Geelong. They are about to lose their second best player. Their best is coming off two ACL's and they need to replace 8 players aged 30 or more in the short term with supposedly 4 new teams coming in. Good luck with that cats!!!

Yep, looks a lot like the EPL for the bottom 4 teams(Saints, Tigers, GC and WC)
It is delusional what crap Gill said in the AFLW statement, millions of girls in auskick, hundreds of thousands coming thru the NAB talent pathways etc
Wow so the draft is going to bat 50-60 players deep?
So with at least 2 teams coming next year(say goodbye to picks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and 2 more the year after(or god forbid all 4 next year) there is no chance in hell we'll have a fair crack at playing finals for what, 5-10 years??????
There will be floggings galore, which i'm sure will add to the appeal of watching games
Winless seasons for new expansion teams can only be good for the comp, yes????
And Jeff crying about the Hawks being ready to go now(VFLW, 3 wins against Standalone teams) 🤦‍♂️
We'd best to trade for pick 1 or 2 to get Prespakis or Rowbottom now, because the next 2 years are looking very ugly on the player front
Oh and * Geelong they can go and get stuffed :cool:
 
Gosh Jeff Kennett provides good entertainment value.

Moans that the AFL are discriminating against his Hawthorn women's team and preventing their entry into AFLW while completely ignoring the fact that every one of them can nominate for the AFLW draft and be on an AFLW list as soon as this year if they are good enough.
 
MAY 14. 2021. 6:00 AM
Expansion FAQ: Talent pool, Christmas break, what next?
Sarah Black

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Representatives of the new clubs announced back in 2017. Picture: AFL Photos

THERE are big changes afoot for the NAB AFLW competition.
Expansion will see all teams enter by the END (yes, the end) of 2023, with the season starting date shifted to December to give the competition clean air

Will there be a break over Christmas?
While the exact details are yet to be nutted out, there will be a break. In years past, there has been a week off for Christmas and New Year during the AFLW pre-season.

What about playing in summer?
Given the AFLW has previously been played in February and March, with practice matches in mid-January, the AFL already has provisions in place, including shorter quarters and extra water carriers, as well as an extreme heat policy.

Why move the season instead of having curtain-raisers?
Generally, players prefer to have a standalone match rather than curtain-raisers to the AFL games, as they feel it diminishes their own product. The scheduling issues of 16 AFL and AFLW games every weekend is an issue, particularly when it comes to broadcasting.

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The first bounce of the 2021 NAB AFLW Grand Final between Adelaide and Brisbane at Adelaide Oval on April 17, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

Is there a chance we could have all 18 clubs in for the 2022/23 season (season seven)?
If the four remaining clubs meet the criteria set out by the AFL Commission, then yes. Otherwise, clubs will have to reapply for a 2023/24 intake, where all remaining clubs will be included, with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan saying, "we're confident we'll get them all in by season eight."

What do clubs have to do to be successful in their application, and when will they find out?
Clubs have until July 9 to put in an application, with the final decision to be made at August's AFL Commission meeting.
"Broadly, it's list build strategy, a whole-club look at how the program will be integrated into the club, the facilities are incredibly important, business model, corporate support, consumer support, the business case they're going to build out around it," McLachlan said.

Are there concerns about the depth of talent, especially in Victoria with up to 10 teams?
"The advice, as we manage all those things, is by season seven, is that we'll have another 150 young women coming through, which will enable us to expand up to all four clubs if they're ready. It's managing the needs and views, but it's also listening to the views of those on the ground, who say by season seven, there'll be enough talent," McLachlan said.
"I completely understand the coaches and those close to it who know if you expand, the talent pool is thinner, but when you look at the needs of the clubs and supporters who don't have an AFLW team, and the need for the competition to become whole – I hope people understand we're on a journey, we understand those issues … let's look 10 years, not just the next few."

What will a season with 18 teams look like?
Short answer is, we don't yet know. The CBA (set to expire in October, 2022), dictates the upcoming AFLW season will have 10 rounds and three weeks of finals. The next season structure will be finalised through the next CBA. The clubs, players and AFLPA will be consulted before the decision is made.

How does it affect the upcoming Sign and Trade Period?
Dates are expected to be released early next week, although most clubs have already publicly confirmed their initial delistings. Details about contract lengths (currently limited to a maximum of two seasons) will be worked out, especially if it would restrict player movement when teams are introduced.

What about a potential clash with tennis and cricket?
Reading between the lines, it looks as though the AFL is focused on a strong presence at the start and the end of the season, ceding some ground and media attention through the middle rounds to the other sports.
"The start will be really important for us, to make sure we do get off to a good start. We think the window we select will get us off to a good start. Then the finish, in terms of the Grand Final, will also be important with all eyes on us before the men's starts," AFL head of women's football Nicole Livingstone said.

Are the broadcasters on board?
The Seven Network and Fox Sports also hold the rights to the cricket, inclusive of the international schedule and the W/BBL.
"There have been discussions about that, and they're great supporters, our broadcasters," McLachlan said.

How will club staff working across both competitions handle the near year-long footy season?
"It's part of the reason (behind the season move). Season six, which we're going to now, a definitive move as to where AFLW stands, for clean air, for our supporters so they can get to games, men and women, for our broadcasters and for our clubs and their staff, our staff and others. It works on a number of levels," McLachlan said.

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Brisbane fans celebrate the Lions' 2021 Grand Final win at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AFL Photos

What have the clubs said?

Essendon

"Importantly and holistically, our club is ready. Our people are ready. Strong foundations have been laid, and we are all aligned and united in our determination to live by our 'five teams, one club' mentality. Incorporating the AFL and soon-to-be AFLW, VFL and VFLW programs, as well as our wheelchair football team, we are ready to finally become a true, and complete, club.
"With these timelines now communicated by the AFL and AFL Commission, we are confident we will have the AFL Commission’s support to enter the AFL Women’s competition by season seven." - CEO Xavier Campbell

Hawthorn
"Hawthorn is disappointed that after months of discussion with the AFL today’s announcement still leaves the club unable to provide Hawthorn members and fans with the surety of a solid timeline for entry. However, today’s news will not diminish the club’s efforts in kicking down the door to securing entry to the AFLW competition in season seven which will commence in December 2022.
"Hawthorn has long lobbied for an AFLW licence and despite the hurdles along the way, the club has stayed true to its commitment to furthering women’s participation and development of pathways in women’s football and is well prepared to field its own AFLW team." - Hawthorn press release

Port Adelaide
"Today is an exciting day for Port Adelaide. We’ve made our ambition of fielding an AFLW team very clear for some time now. Today’s announcement provides clarity for the next steps to achieve this vision and add further cultural diversity to the Port Adelaide football club of the future.
"We have a clear vision and plans to provide elite training and playing facilities at Alberton Oval to provide our team with the best opportunity to be successful, whilst ensuring that Alberton also is one of the premier AFLW venues in the competition immediately." - CEO Matthew Richardson

Sydney
"We absolutely welcome the AFL Commission’s decision to expand the AFLW competition and the clear message from the Sydney Swans is that we are preparing to join the competition in 2022.
"That is the loud and clear message from our board and echoed by our members, fans and corporate partners who are passionate to see the Sydney Swans as part of the AFLW competition." - CEO Tom Harley
 
MAY 14. 2021. 1:30 PM
Commission signs off on priority picks for five clubs


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The Suns celebrate a goal against the Cats during round nine, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

THE AFL today wrote to all AFLW Clubs to advise the AFL Commission had approved recommendations relating to Special Assistance for five AFLW Clubs presented to it at its meeting on Wednesday, May 12.

In providing Special Assistance, the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including the win/loss record of these Clubs over the past two seasons, percentage, performance against teams above and below them on the ladder and an assessment of their respective list profiles.

The Commission also considered the views of all stakeholders and industry groups consulted with the Special Assistance to assist the ongoing development of their respective playing lists.

The Commission approved the following recommendations:

- Provide the Gold Coast SUNS with two priority selections, after the fifth (5th) and seventh (7th) selections in the first round, as well as access to two mature age players from Queensland prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.

- Provide the Geelong Cats with two priority selections, after the sixth (6th) and (8th) selections in the first round, as well as access to two mature age players from their region prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.

- Provide the West Coast Eagles with a priority selection in the second (2nd) and third (3rd) rounds of the draft, directly after the fifth (5th) selection in each of those rounds.

- Provide St Kilda with a priority selection in the second round of the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, directly after the sixth (6th) selection in that round.

- Provide Richmond with a priority selection in the second (2nd) round of the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, directly after the seventh (7th) selection in that round.

Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules.

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Timelines for the upcoming NAB AFLW Sign & Trade Period, as well as projected dates for the NAB AFLW Draft, will be advised in due course.
 

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MAY 14. 2021. 1:30 PM
Commission signs off on priority picks for five clubs


S6NHSvkN.jpg

The Suns celebrate a goal against the Cats during round nine, 2021. Picture: Getty Images

THE AFL today wrote to all AFLW Clubs to advise the AFL Commission had approved recommendations relating to Special Assistance for five AFLW Clubs presented to it at its meeting on Wednesday, May 12.

In providing Special Assistance, the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including the win/loss record of these Clubs over the past two seasons, percentage, performance against teams above and below them on the ladder and an assessment of their respective list profiles.

The Commission also considered the views of all stakeholders and industry groups consulted with the Special Assistance to assist the ongoing development of their respective playing lists.

The Commission approved the following recommendations:

- Provide the Gold Coast SUNS with two priority selections, after the fifth (5th) and seventh (7th) selections in the first round, as well as access to two mature age players from Queensland prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.

- Provide the Geelong Cats with two priority selections, after the sixth (6th) and (8th) selections in the first round, as well as access to two mature age players from their region prior to the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.

- Provide the West Coast Eagles with a priority selection in the second (2nd) and third (3rd) rounds of the draft, directly after the fifth (5th) selection in each of those rounds.

- Provide St Kilda with a priority selection in the second round of the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, directly after the sixth (6th) selection in that round.

- Provide Richmond with a priority selection in the second (2nd) round of the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, directly after the seventh (7th) selection in that round.

Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules.

View attachment 1127154
View attachment 1127159

Timelines for the upcoming NAB AFLW Sign & Trade Period, as well as projected dates for the NAB AFLW Draft, will be advised in due course.

So reading this correctly
"Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules."
Which means GC, Cats, WC, Saints and Tigers CAN'T trade their first 5 picks
Meaning the draft order is set for these 5 clubs(top 5 picks each round can't be changed)

Victoria Draft
Round 1
1 Geelong Cats
2 St Kilda
3 Richmond
4 Geelong Cats
5 Geelong Cats

6 Western Bulldogs
7 Carlton
8 North Melbourne
9 Melbourne
10 Collingwood

Round 2
11 Geelong Cats
12 St Kilda
13 Richmond
14 St Kilda
15 Richmond

16 Western Bulldogs
17 Carlton
18 North Melbourne
19 Melbourne
20 Collingwood

Round 3
21 Geelong Cats
22 St Kilda
23 Richmond

24 Western Bulldogs
25 Carlton
26 North Melbourne
27 Melbourne
28 Collingwood

Round 4
29 Geelong Cats
30 St Kilda
31 Richmond

32 Western Bulldogs
33 Carlton
34 North Melbourne
35 Melbourne
36 Collingwood

Round 5
37 Geelong Cats
38 St Kilda
39 Richmond
40 Western Bulldogs
41 Carlton
42 North Melbourne
43 Melbourne
44 Collingwood
Bold = draft picks that can't be traded
So trading in players for our draft picks, as we did last year is impossible now
 

Lord of the Wings

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I see SHocking has looked after his old club. We got one 1st round compensation pick last year after not winning a game all year that had to be traded. Geesook got 2 and both early in the 1st round. What a absolute joke
 
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I see SHocking has looked after his old club. We got one 1st round compensation pick last year after not winning a game all year that had to be traded. Geesook got 2 and both early in the 1st round. What a absolute joke

Yeah true, but the Cats are more than likely load up on Geelong falcons girls, so that leaves Prespakis and Rowbottom for us and the Saints
Also due to The Cats location they have a near impossible time in luring metro players
I think that this year the AFL said "O.K. you want assistance with priority picks, well here you go, but guess what, you can't trade your first 5 draft picks"
Which i think is fair enough, considering Cat's last year traded down with Demons and this year Saints have been courting Eboney Marinoff (Crows)
At least for the first 3 rounds the top of the draft order can't change, So the AFLW are forcing the bottom clubs to invest in young NAB players thru the draft, which can't be a bad thing
 
Yep, looks a lot like the EPL for the bottom 4 teams(Saints, Tigers, GC and WC)
It is delusional what crap Gill said in the AFLW statement, millions of girls in auskick, hundreds of thousands coming thru the NAB talent pathways etc
Wow so the draft is going to bat 50-60 players deep?
So with at least 2 teams coming next year(say goodbye to picks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and 2 more the year after(or god forbid all 4 next year) there is no chance in hell we'll have a fair crack at playing finals for what, 5-10 years??????
There will be floggings galore, which i'm sure will add to the appeal of watching games
Winless seasons for new expansion teams can only be good for the comp, yes????
And Jeff crying about the Hawks being ready to go now(VFLW, 3 wins against Standalone teams) 🤦‍♂️
We'd best to trade for pick 1 or 2 to get Prespakis or Rowbottom now, because the next 2 years are looking very ugly on the player front
Oh and fu** Geelong they can go and get stuffed :cool:

That’s not even taking into account those 4 teams raiding the list of teams already balanced on a knife edge. Imagine losing Ellie because Essendon will make her their highest paid player or losing any of our other important players to raids. Like we did when we entered the league ie Brennan, Conti etc.

They should have said no new teams until 2025 which would allow the likes of us, geelong🤢, St Kilda etc to stabilise our lists before the compromised draft/raiding begins.
 
So reading this correctly
"Additionally, these priority selections are made on the basis that the first five (5) selections, held by each of the Clubs receiving Special Assistance, are not to be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules."
Which means GC, Cats, WC, Saints and Tigers CAN'T trade their first 5 picks
Meaning the draft order is set for these 5 clubs(top 5 picks each round can't be changed)

Victoria Draft
Round 1
1 Geelong Cats
2 St Kilda
3 Richmond
4 Geelong Cats
5 Geelong Cats

6 Western Bulldogs
7 Carlton
8 North Melbourne
9 Melbourne
10 Collingwood

Round 2
11 Geelong Cats
12 St Kilda
13 Richmond
14 St Kilda
15 Richmond

16 Western Bulldogs
17 Carlton
18 North Melbourne
19 Melbourne
20 Collingwood

Round 3
21 Geelong Cats
22 St Kilda
23 Richmond

24 Western Bulldogs
25 Carlton
26 North Melbourne
27 Melbourne
28 Collingwood

Round 4
29 Geelong Cats
30 St Kilda
31 Richmond

32 Western Bulldogs
33 Carlton
34 North Melbourne
35 Melbourne
36 Collingwood

Round 5
37 Geelong Cats
38 St Kilda
39 Richmond
40 Western Bulldogs
41 Carlton
42 North Melbourne
43 Melbourne
44 Collingwood
Bold = draft picks that can't be traded
So trading in players for our draft picks, as we did last year is impossible now

I’m pretty sure it just means that picks, 1 GCS, 2 Cats, 3 Eagles, 4 Saints & 5 Us, can’t be traded out if we want to keep our/their priority picks. Essentially we have to use pick 5 to be able to get our PP, ditto the others.
 
Feb 14, 2018
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I’m pretty sure it just means that picks, 1 GCS, 2 Cats, 3 Eagles, 4 Saints & 5 Us, can’t be traded out if we want to keep our/their priority picks. Essentially we have to use pick 5 to be able to get our PP, ditto the others.

Yes your probably right, makes more sense
Still confusing tho
 
Feb 14, 2018
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What I’ve seen of Craven today is not impressive. Short, slow and can’t kick over a jam tin.

Id take a number of Oakleigh girls before her

Oakleighs Stella Reid, who will be available at our 1st pick goes alright, bloody good player
She can play anywhere, kicks goals on her trusty left foot and is very quick
 
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