AFLW players vent frustration at shorter fixture

Reports indicate that the upcoming AFLW season is to be reduced to just 6 home and away rounds, followed by a short finals series.

With two new teams joining the competition, the shorter fixture feels, to many in the industry, like a step backwards for the AFLW.

“A GIMMICKY TOURNAMENT”: PEARCE SLAMS AFL’S HANDLING OF AFLW

For a competition that is attempting to grow its supporter base and achieve greater credibility as an elite sporting tournament, a 6-round fixture seems like a slap in the face to many.

Some of the AFLW’s stars have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the alleged fixture alteration.

What are some other sports I might be good at? Can I take up rugby at the ripe old age of 26? To short for basketball. Have the soccer skills of a 2 year old, maybe golf? Maybe I should focus on my work career.. Just my Friday feels.

— Jessica Wuetschner (@JessicaWoochnar) August 3, 2018

Wait, 6 games only? No, it has to be a typo. Someone dropped off the 1. 16 games including finals. Surely we can find an extra couple of games from somewhere? There is still enough pizza for everyone. Including extra cheese on some 🍕 https://t.co/ouGZXkbZVN

— Bec Goddard (@BecGoddard22) August 3, 2018

I understand the need and the AFL’s desire to maximise the commerciality of AFLW, but I don’t think a 6 game season will be able to do that anyway, doesn't less games = less commercial opportunities? As an athlete it’ll be hard to justify the sacrifices we make for 6 games.

— Lily Mithen (@lily_mithen) August 3, 2018

I love moving across the country for months, leaving my family behind to play a 6 week season 🙄🙄 When the pre season is twice as long as the actual season, something is wrong!

Don’t bring new teams in if you can’t accommodate for them!! @AFL #pissed https://t.co/2VIBSetloV

— Georgie Parker (@georgieparker) August 2, 2018

Pearce: How about you (the AFL) get the women's competition right before you go into these Chinese frontiers and AFLX.

— Garry and Tim (@SENBreakfast) August 2, 2018

How about we respect the women’s game.
How about we respect the contribution of women to football.
How about we simply respect women.
Do the right thing @AFL.
Daisy was spot on @SENBreakfast https://t.co/V0FENHTGin

— Andy Maher (@AndyMaherDFA) August 3, 2018

We as athletes have worked for years to have an AFL women’s competition. To put our full time work commitments, family, relationships, almost everything on hold to get the most out of the AFLW competition and reality is we aren’t getting taken seriously.. https://t.co/ukGDHGwLQ6

— Aliesha Newman (@AlieshaNewman) August 3, 2018

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 https://t.co/guQS9tCPVC

— Meg Hutchins (@hutchy_25) August 2, 2018

MY PREDICTION: VFLW could become the most elite womens AFL comp in Australia. Quality competition, still access elite resources, cut throat road to finals and importantly, high scoring. AFLW... A summer exhibition series. Or as @DaisyPearce6 said: "A gimmicky tounament" https://t.co/tGqFKC0pZu

— Emma Swanson (@Swanny_GWS17) August 3, 2018

I can’t even comprehend how @aflwomens is being compared to the World Cup🤦🏼‍♀️ https://t.co/8RubQJqObm

— Eb Marinoff (@eb_marinoff) August 3, 2018

Some players have moved their lives, given up work/study and $ to play AFLW. These decisions are voluntary, but made on the assumption the game is getting bigger. Not shorter. The ramifications of this won’t improve the AFLW as a commercial product. It will do the opposite.

— Alicia Eva (@AliciaEva2) August 3, 2018

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