It's not half-arsed. It is a massive project.
Firstly, I don't really like your logic. The women chosen to represent the club's in the National Women's competition will be playing both at the highest level and, later, with their suburban clubs. I mean, technically they play more matches? Anyway, would any woman capable enough of competiting at this level pass it up, this is an incredible milestone in the game's history.
Secondly, more to my point, is that this is the first steps in a long term project. I am normally very cynical of the AFL, but its commitment to the women's game over the past couple of years has been astounding. Where I live, NSW, the establishment of women's acadamies, state representative teams (both women's and girls) and an ever increasing Sydney Women's competition (which has two divisions) is a credit to the AFL. However, I don't think we can be foolish enough to believe this will immediately translate into a very strong talent pool. It will take a generation, and girls all over the country are now recognising there are paths in football. Not necessarily careers (yet?), but there are opportunities.
In terms of the National Women's competition, the women's competition will be eased in. The skill set and professionalism will obviously not be up to scratch in the first few years, but it establishes a platform to achieve higher levels both on and off the field for women's footy in the foreseeable future. The AFL has established the framework for women's footy, and as a result we will see a strong competition in the future.
The Women's competition is essentially like the formation of the Giants and Suns. A long-term project that is trying to target a demographic disengaged from football in an attempt to reap the financial and social benefits in the future. The AFL will back this women's competition 100%.