Carlton Supporters Club

I don't know much about the Women's footy leagues.

But I would think given Carlton is applying for a team we should have a dedicated Notice Board setup for the discussion of the girls league, recruiting, coaches and performance.

If we don't get the nod for a team we can always shut it down later. But I think we at least need a notice board to keep up with discussions and potential recruits/draftees.

Women of Carlton anyone?

Yeah I think thats reasonable.

Up to the admins though.

Ask and you shall receive, the Ladies Lounge is now open

Can we invite someone at the Club to kick start it with a post, would they contribute to fill in the rest of us plebs?

Can we invite someone at the Club to kick start it with a post, would they contribute to fill in the rest of us plebs?

If only Chachi17 played for the Blues instead of the WB's, she would provide much insight.

If only Chachi17 played for the Blues instead of the WB's, she would provide much insight.

We'll you never know, if the Bulldogs have a team do they get to stick at the Bulldogs or do all players have to enter the draft?

We'll you never know, if the Bulldogs have a team do they get to stick at the Bulldogs or do all players have to enter the draft?

Beside what has already been reported there is not much more to tell.

The license selection process is well underway and the recommended list of teams to receive one will be forwarded to the AFL commission soonish.

As for the player breakups all that can be said is that the nominated clubs will have two marque players.
Whether they get to choose or the AFL is a little unclear.

AFter that process each nominated club can then approach 5 other players from anywhere to sign up.

After that there will a draft to select the balance of the squads from the remaining talent pool. Not sure if it is from any state or restricted in some way.

I think the mooted squad numbers are 25 or 26 around that mark.

As for Chachi it will a wait and see scenario.

I'd be stoked to have her in the Navy but so long as she plays is all that matters.

What I can tell you thou is that there is a real buzz about the various women's leagues.
Senior thru to juniors are excited plus.
The AFL, VFL Vic and other bodies have worked hard the last few years in setting up acadamies and identifying talent around Australia.
What we'll see is a very talented bunch of footballers strutting there stuff and playing good entertaining football.

If the CFC gets a license jump on board you won't be disappointed.

I think the clubs get to choose their marquee players. Brisbane have already signed one of theirs as they're the only QLD club to apply for a licence.

I would think that Carlton's first signing would be Lauren Arnell as we've employed her as our female footy ambassador. Here's hoping Chachi is next in line.

I think the clubs get to choose their marquee players. Brisbane have already signed one of theirs as they're the only QLD club to apply for a licence.

I would think that Carlton's first signing would be Lauren Arnell as we've employed her as our female footy ambassador. Here's hoping Chachi is next in line.

The Brisbane signing has put a few noses out of joint at HO. Since legally they don't have a license as yet.
 

The Brisbane signing has put a few noses out of joint at HO. Since legally they don't have a license as yet.
 

Yeah I thought that was a bit odd myself, but I dare say a few clubs who look likely to get a licence will have in principle agreements with some of the players.

Had Daisy Pearce on Triple M this afternoon and she gave quite a few details about the setup.

Basically the league is supposed to be 8 teams....although there is a possibility of it getting 10 as there has been a lot of interest so far.

In fact 13 AFL clubs have applied for a womens team. She didn't say who did (or didn't) though.

She said of the 8 teams, 4 of them will be from other states with QLD, NSW, SA and WA all getting 1 team each.

So that means only 4 vic teams (unless the afl expand from 8 to 10).

Of the 4 spots available, it is strongly suggested that the Dees and Dogs will get one each as they have been the pioneers of the whole thing.

That leaves 2 spots available for 8 vic teams!

Worst part about the whole thing is that Daisy, widely regarded as the best female player out there, was a mad Blues supporter growing up and still loves them, however, she is basically playing for the dees now and is currently undertaking a 2 year 'internship' at the dees as Paul Jackson (?) Dees President is looking after her and letting her go through any and all roles within the club over that period before she gets to choose something she wants to do for the club. From admin, to football department and everything else. They got her good. We missed our window. :(


Just on the Lions signing someone already, forget her name but she was on AFL360 last night and said she is committed to staying in QLD and although she didn't say she WON'T move, it was very much implied. She is playing for Brisbane this week and is a gun key forward who will most likely be taken as 1 of the 2 marquee players allowed as mentioned above.

Also shows us that Gold Coast won't get a team.

Just on the Lions signing someone already, forget her name but she was on AFL360 last night and said she is committed to staying in QLD and although she didn't say she WON'T move, it was very much implied. She is playing for Brisbane this week and is a gun key forward who will most likely be taken as 1 of the 2 marquee players allowed as mentioned above.

Also shows us that Gold Coast won't get a team.

The name your looking for is Taylah Harris.
Featured in the three of the last four Melbourne Vs Doggies games.
Takes some spectacular marks. Have a look around YouTube.

There are some seriously good players out there.
Mo Hope (gun fwd), Katie Brennan (gun), Donnellan (ex-Vic girl in WA), Bentley (WA girl), Daisy Pearce (champion), Mel Hickey (def), Emily Blackburn (mid), Emma Kearney (mid), Darcy Verscio (who is working at CFC) to name a few.

Setup correctly with drafting etc... you'll see some great football being played.

AFL's priority is to try to get an even competition to start with.
And from where they are starting and planning it should be done.
The talent depth will fall away initially but given the number of females playing footy at all levels the next 4 to 5 years will see a very good competition in place.
Should be great to watch it develop.

The name your looking for is Taylah Harris.
Featured in the three of the last four Melbourne Vs Doggies games.
Takes some spectacular marks. Have a look around YouTube.

There are some seriously good players out there.
Mo Hope (gun fwd), Katie Brennan (gun), Donnellan (ex-Vic girl in WA), Bentley (WA girl), Daisy Pearce (champion), Mel Hickey (def), Emily Blackburn (mid), Emma Kearney (mid), Darcy Verscio (who is working at CFC) to name a few.

That's the one. Yeah she can take a grab!

I think she in that iconic photo of a woman kicking with full leg extension on the follow through.
Mel Hickey was also on AFL360 last night and there was a bit of trash talking coming from Taylah's side as they might end up playing on eachother this weekend.

Taylah actually reminded me a bit of J. Brown. Not short on any confidence, but can back it up. Speaks her mind with very little in the way of a filter.
Good value.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMr9jjbUkAA5yCY.jpg)

I didn't get a chance to watch yesterday's TV broadcast game between Melb and Brisbane, any comments?

I didn't get a chance to watch yesterday's TV broadcast game between Melb and Brisbane, any comments?

Too one-sided

Yes, that is a worry.

I have watched a few Women's Footy games that are very reminiscent of junior footy, when one really good player basically dismantles an entire opposition.

The AFL will need to be very switched on in regards to the drafting/trading if they are to make an even and competitive league.

I would seriously prefer to watch paint dry.....how anyone could find a women's footy league of any interest whatsoever has got me beat......

I would seriously prefer to watch paint dry.....how anyone could find a women's footy league of any interest whatsoever has got me beat......

I think it is all relative.

You should be able to appreciate the professionalism and the contest regardless of the size, weight and velocity of the contestants. On the professionalism, there are quite a few female athletes that would leave many of the men in the shade. Perhaps having a few "professional" female athletes around AFL will force the boys club to grow up! ;)

I would seriously prefer to watch paint dry.....how anyone could find a women's footy league of any interest whatsoever has got me beat......

x2...you can add women's cricket and basketball too...

Not a fan of most women's sport but can watch women's footy.....and (strangely) golf .

If you can bring yourself to watch soccer at all (personally not a fan) then the top level women's soccer is pretty good from what I've seen of it. Also saw a few snippets of women's footy recently and they look pretty good I must admit. Don't know whether I'd be prepared to go along to games but I may watch on TV if/when it's televised.

I don't mind women's sport and happily watch netball, hockey and basketball.

Women's footy is occasionally played at Box Hill oval and I have wandered over for a look.  I'm not sure what the level is but the players' ability varied quite a lot.  The better players were very good and had excellent skills.  I think that I could watch women's footy if the standard was uniformly high.

Restricting the competition to 8 teams is a good start but I'm not sure that the talent pool is there just yet.  Even with the lead time, recruitment of elite sportswomen and intensive coaching, it will take some time to build up numbers, feeder competitions and interest.

Not a fan of womens sport especially cricket and basketball....a womens AFL league will hold no interest for me...
You get used to watching sport at the elite level then having to watch the games been played at a lesser standard and at half the speed its just frustrating viewing.
Unless your own children are involved I cant handle it all...have seen a lot of womens basketball having my kids involved and having to watch a lower level game of womens BB before your kids are next to play can do your head in...

The height of the hoops, 10 foot above the ground, means the men's and women's games will be quite different as dunking and tip-ins are always going to be a rarity in the women's game.  But there are no such structural issues for Aussie Rules.  The 50m arcs don't have any significance in the rules and can be painted at 45m or any other distance anyway.  The ball used in the women's game is size 4.5 rather than 5 to favour longer kicking.  Apart from that, everything else is the same.  A lot of people prefer local footy to AFL even though the play is less ballistic.

I would seriously prefer to watch paint dry.....how anyone could find a women's footy league of any interest whatsoever has got me beat......

I'm the same, in fact I have the same opinion about women's tennis too.

Congratulations on Carlton Being one of the first inaugural teams in the Women's League.

Will the Women's League be replacing the Little League at half-time in the seniors ??

Well done, CFC. Personally, I think it is great.

Any truth in the rumour that the girls have approached Everitt? ;-)

Just heard the news on SEN. Very positive for the CFC - well done!

Well done, CFC. Personally, I think it is great.

Any truth in the rumour that the girls have approached Everitt? ;-)

Why are people so unkind?  ;)

Good news for footy though and a great way to grow the game.

It's a pity Geelong didn't win a spot but I guess you can't go past Melbourne and Footscray with their pioneering work.

I think we are treading a fine line here about being slightly mysoginistic with these comments.

I am so rapt with this announcement.
I'll back the Women's team 100% just like I do the Northern Blues.
Some of the comments on here are pretty dumb. We need to get around this guys. Its a part of our future, and a massive shift in our culture to be a lot more inclusive of women.

I am so rapt with this announcement.
I'll back the Women's team 100% just like I do the Northern Blues.
Some of the comments on here are pretty dumb. We need to get around this guys. Its a part of our future, and a massive shift in our culture to be a lot more inclusive of women.

Well said.

This tells me that our club is back pioneering and initiating rather than the 'short cut/opportunistic/quick fix' thinking that existed for way, way too long. When such a culture prevails how could we not be one of the pioneers and forward thinkers at the forefront of creating an AFL women's league? Again, well done CFC.

Congrats on the club and the whole concept really. Plenty of other women's sports that are way more uninteresting to watch than this (Tennis is no.1 in my book). Look forward to catching a couple of games during the off-season. Also gives parents who only have girls in the family the chance to watch their kids play at the highest level.

New times, new thoughts, new team... NEW CLUB

But as always...

Go Blues!

The ignorance from some is mind numbing.

Even if you don't want to watch, womens footy is a boost for footy participation and popularity. Mums and dads taking their kids of both genders to Sat and sunday football.

State league and even amateur clubs getting affiliated sides.

Terrific for Carlton to get involved and terrific for our fan base.

Well done to all involved and the rest of you can ....................

The ignorance from some is mind numbing.

Even if you don't want to watch, womens footy is a boost for footy participation and popularity. Mums and dads taking their kids of both genders to Sat and sunday football.

State league and even amateur clubs getting affiliated sides.

Terrific for Carlton to get involved and terrific for our fan base.

Well done to all involved and the rest of you can ....................

I was going to respond, but just shook my head anyway.

It is great for the club, for membership and the brand.

Hope our Girls can bring some success to the club!!

I was going to respond, but just shook my head anyway.

It is great for the club, for membership and the brand.

Hope our Girls can bring some success to the club!!

^^ This  :D

FWIW this is how we are going to get our stadium converted into an AFL one again.

Start the grants going to make it a boutique stadium for Women's football.

I can see the grants and approvals already.

Its funny how you can kill two birds with one stone at times.  the goal should be to do it for both.

The ignorance from some is mind numbing.

Even if you don't want to watch, womens footy is a boost for footy participation and popularity. Mums and dads taking their kids of both genders to Sat and sunday football.

State league and even amateur clubs getting affiliated sides.

Terrific for Carlton to get involved and terrific for our fan base.

Well done to all involved and the rest of you can ....................

We have all heard about mums not letting their boys play footy because it's too rough.  Mums who have played footy will be encouraging their boys AND girls to play.

It is great for the club that we are in at the start of one of the big positive changes in footy.  I'm sure there will be issues but the potential benefits are huge.

Absolutely stoked that CarltonFC is on board.

As a proud dad of one of the women who plays footy, I can tell you that she, all her teammates, their junior teams, their opponents, etc... are thrilled that their is a pathway into the elite level of this great game for them.

I'll also say that if things don't fall her way at the doggies I'll try my best to get into a CFC jumper for next year.

For those doubting the credentials of women footballers take a look a some of the highlight packages about the place and that will be the level that you would see you' week in week out and it will only improve as the talent/development pathways get bigger & better in the years to come.

Will they fill the 'G or Etihad with spectators probably not early days but given time they'll get decent crowds as the product on display develops.
Much like the GWS is doing now.

Talented sportswomen playing our great game. Whats not to like. And more importantly the NAVY will be front and centre.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-national-womens-league-the-carlton-star-with-a-fatherdaughter-hope-20160615-gpjdlm.html

FD talk already!  8)

I think its great.  I used to hate watching women's cricket, but the standard is getting much better and don't mind having it on now.  I haven't seen any women's footy, but look forward to its development and growth.

It is great to be a 'founder club'.

Let's not forget that many females might well prefer to watch women play rather than men.  They make up the majority of the population.  Does it really matter whether blokes turn out to watch it?

Also remember the Women's league is about giving females a chance to play at an elite level and that encourages grassroots participation by girls. 

Let's not forget that many females might well prefer to watch women play rather than men.  They make up the majority of the population.  Does it really matter whether blokes turn out to watch it?

Also remember the Women's league is about giving females a chance to play at an elite level and that encourages grassroots participation by girls.

My apologies for the follow misogynous statement.

If MG or RJ types started playing AFL young blokes would be queuing up overnight to buy tickets! And it won't have to be anything as denigrating, sexist or manipulative as the LFL.

I know some other sports are going to hate this, including the current Women's Footy Leagues, but this is a serious opportunity for serious female athletes to earn a professional sports living.

I'm thinking;

Rucks;
Midfielders;
KPPs;
Anyone who thinks this is going to be boring semi-amateur and not elite sports-people is just kidding themselves. You will be seeing Olympic level athletes converted to playing AFL within just a handful of years just because of the money they can earn!

You mean something like this?

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQztyXrsMuJ7AkVGxpXEF0i2kgh-koz_v6Fkp6Wb5vnL-HMv6eyZw)

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRtN6Ued7vatkCayP1nu7UkHXMJdY3Xn5If348YRJi-S_uVSX9sUQ)

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR19fBILioJsRtdhUpK1Ja1-KQ-M1h6C7RHWrxZZUHfaLAckSCwfQ)

You mean something like this?

Yep, at the moment Women's footy is dominated by a handful of serious footballers who win games off their own boot. That is not going to be the case forever, and you will see elite young sports-women choosing AFL as a career path within a generation.

Anyone who thinks the girls won't be serious or hard at it is surely joking, they are elite sports-people with attitude. If this competition is successful mens competitions will be using some of the women as role models. It is not a joke!

It may initially be costly for some other women's sports, but that will just make them lift their game and take remuneration for the girls more seriously. I'm all for it!

This should be fun. And if there happens to be Eye-Candy, not many people of either gender will complain.
It might take a while for women's footy to get serious money, but it wasn't long ago when the VFL-AFL didn't pay fully professional wages either. If women's footy can attract sponsorship and TV ratings, the money will come.

Had Daisy Pearce on Triple M this afternoon and she gave quite a few details about the setup.

Basically the league is supposed to be 8 teams....although there is a possibility of it getting 10 as there has been a lot of interest so far.

In fact 13 AFL clubs have applied for a womens team. She didn't say who did (or didn't) though.

She said of the 8 teams, 4 of them will be from other states with QLD, NSW, SA and WA all getting 1 team each.

So that means only 4 vic teams (unless the afl expand from 8 to 10).

Of the 4 spots available, it is strongly suggested that the Dees and Dogs will get one each as they have been the pioneers of the whole thing.

That leaves 2 spots available for 8 vic teams!

Worst part about the whole thing is that Daisy, widely regarded as the best female player out there, was a mad Blues supporter growing up and still loves them, however, she is basically playing for the dees now and is currently undertaking a 2 year 'internship' at the dees as Paul Jackson (?) Dees President is looking after her and letting her go through any and all roles within the club over that period before she gets to choose something she wants to do for the club. From admin, to football department and everything else. They got her good. We missed our window. :(

Seems Daisy Pearce was on the mark.

Absolutely wrapped that we, along with the pies, were essentially able to beat out...
Richmond
St. Kilda
Geelong
and North Melbourne

for a team in vic. (hawks/bombers didnt apply for a license)
Along with the eagles who were pipped by freo, they will all be eligible for a team in 2018 when a possible expansiontakes place.

I'm not sure how much, if any, i'll ever watch, but it is a huge win for the club that we got a license! I suspect that 'navy nina' was a bit of a masterstroke it getting us across the line. Apart from her, i think i've only ever seen 1 other 'female equivalent' and that was for the pies. Magpie in a skirt. Coincedence?

Absolutely stoked that CarltonFC is on board.

As a proud dad of one of the women who plays footy, I can tell you that she, all her teammates, their junior teams, their opponents, etc... are thrilled that their is a pathway into the elite level of this great game for them.

I'll also say that if things don't fall her way at the doggies I'll try my best to get into a CFC jumper for next year.

Is she earmarked for the dogs in one of the 'marquee' spots?

You're not going to jump ship to the dogs are you?

Absolutely stoked that CarltonFC is on board.

As a proud dad of one of the women who plays footy, I can tell you that she, all her teammates, their junior teams, their opponents, etc... are thrilled that their is a pathway into the elite level of this great game for them.

I'll also say that if things don't fall her way at the doggies I'll try my best to get into a CFC jumper for next year.

For those doubting the credentials of women footballers take a look a some of the highlight packages about the place and that will be the level that you would see you' week in week out and it will only improve as the talent/development pathways get bigger & better in the years to come.

Will they fill the 'G or Etihad with spectators probably not early days but given time they'll get decent crowds as the product on display develops.
Much like the GWS is doing now.

Talented sportswomen playing our great game. Whats not to like. And more importantly the NAVY will be front and centre.

Best of luck to your daughter - irrespective of what colours she wears, I hope it's a long, successful and happy career.

Great news for the Navy Blues !!

Here is another big tick for our President, CEO and the rest of our off field team, to come out in front of 4 other Vic clubs is a good win.

All the best to all the girls, especially Steph Chiocci, who I would love to see in Navy Blue!

Great news for the Navy Blues !!

Here is another big tick for our President, CEO and the rest of our off field team, to come out in front of 4 other Vic clubs is a good win.

All the best to all the girls, especially Steph Chiocci, who I would love to see in Navy Blue!

x2

Best of luck to your daughter - irrespective of what colours she wears, I hope it's a long, successful and happy career.

Cheers.

Appreciate the sentiment.

Is she earmarked for the dogs in one of the 'marquee' spots?

You're not going to jump ship to the dogs are you?

No chance of jumping ship there Kruddler.
Will cheer my girl on wherever she may be.
But on all other occasions is 'Navy Blue from Womb to Tomb'

At the WB v WA Womens game the other Sunday, my wife & I cheered the WB girls on like manic supporters.
Stayed for the boys. WB 1st goal was greeted with wild enthusiasm by said wife.
To which I remarked WTF are you doing. Know your place please. Anymore of that and you'll walk home. I don't care how good looking you are.  :P

Is she earmarked for the dogs in one of the 'marquee' spots?

Up in the air ATM moment.
She's doing a fair bit of promo work for the doggies, but nothing mentioned about marquee spot.

To be honest the WB have been great with the way they've handled all their girls. Really professional.
Wouldn't be the end of the world if she remained there.

But the NAVY would be a great option...

x2

Hey G2C,
Have a quiet word to your contacts at the CFC.
Start the ball rolling.
If you build it she may come...

 ;)

Hey G2C,
Have a quiet word to your contacts at the CFC.
Start the ball rolling.
If you build it she may come...

 ;)

I might just do that.

So stoked to see the national womens league get off the ground, and even more proud that Carlton are going to be one of the inaugural clubs.

Really disappointed at some of the comments on here, which just highlight many of the obstacles that female sportspeople face each day. Thankfully attitudes like these are becoming a thing of the past, even if that's an extremely slow process. A lot of the comments made about the skill level of women footballers could be said of many men playing at suburban clubs, however those men often take home a bit of cash for their efforts. Until now even the best female footballers have been prohibited from being paid for their services which is yet another example of gender inequality in sport.

Not only do women in almost all sports, play second fiddle to the men in terms of facilities and resources, then they're mocked for not having the same level of skill as their male counterparts. If the same amount of money and time was poured into womens sport as it is men, there would be a massive difference in the output.

I'm so proud of all the women who will represent the 8 clubs next year, a lot of them have (until recently) done it with so fewer opportunities than far less talented men. I've had the privilege of playing with or against a number of them and have seen first hand how hard they work to achieve what they have.  Also very thankful to the AFL for stepping in about 5 years ago and investing heavily in the development of womens footy.

Now here's hoping the Billie Judd and the Carrazzo triplets can come along and represent the Blues one day  ;)

In 2017, the AFL will subsidise each AWFL team to the tune of $1mill so you have assume that the running costs per annum are around that figure.

In 2018, where is the club going to find that extra $1mill to cover the running costs of the women's team ??

We already have a significant debt that we are working hard to eradicate (what's it now down to .... $5-6mill ??) so finding an extra million dollars to run a new venture is not going to be a walk in the park.

The $mill won't come from one large sponsorship, the season is so short that there won't be enough TV coverage to justify that sort of money. It won't come directly from dedicated women's team memberships either, they'd need just over 6500 @ $150 each to get there.

Adding $20 on to each and every full club membership (ie. all 50,000 members) would cover it but would members be prepared to pay for that (ie. no interest in the team or competition or unable to attend matches etc) ??

Also, in 2018, there will be more clubs meaning a slightly longer season and therefore additional costs of operation.

The initial euphoria of being granted a licence may make people overlook some crucial business points associated with this new venture.

Just on SEN someone panning the AFL for ignoring the plight of the Lions whilst all the euphoria of the new women's league is in the spotlight. He claimed that the Lions are "being left to wither on the vine".

.......

The initial euphoria of being granted a licence may make people overlook some crucial business points associated with this new venture.

There will be plenty of sponsorship, sponsorship of women is easier to tap into than getting sponsorship of men.

Marketing companies know that women control about 80% of household spending. That means they will get sponsorship from revenue streams that are not traditionally associated with mens sport. Think Tip Top, Meadow Lea, Kleenex, Coles, Aldi or Woolworths. Sounds sexist because it is, and humanity cannot do anything about the fact there are two sexes.

You won't see any mens teams sponsored by Cuddly Fabric Softener, but you will see women's teams getting access to that sort of money.

Even in markets traditionally dominated by males, look at the bulk of new car ads, they are now more likely to be a mum taking the kids to soccer than a lumberjack cutting down a defenseless tree.

In 2017, the AFL will subsidise each AWFL team to the tune of $1mill so you have assume that the running costs per annum are around that figure.

In 2018, where is the club going to find that extra $1mill to cover the running costs of the women's team ??

We already have a significant debt that we are working hard to eradicate (what's it now down to .... $5-6mill ??) so finding an extra million dollars to run a new venture is not going to be a walk in the park.

The $mill won't come from one large sponsorship, the season is so short that there won't be enough TV coverage to justify that sort of money. It won't come directly from dedicated women's team memberships either, they'd need just over 6500 @ $150 each to get there.

Adding $20 on to each and every full club membership (ie. all 50,000 members) would cover it but would members be prepared to pay for that (ie. no interest in the team or competition or unable to attend matches etc) ??

Also, in 2018, there will be more clubs meaning a slightly longer season and therefore additional costs of operation.

The initial euphoria of being granted a licence may make people overlook some crucial business points associated with this new venture.

You have no idea what the business case is.

You don't like the sport, that's fine. But don't justify your disdain for the sport by trying to make a business case against it when you have no idea of the facts.

Although I shouldn't be surprised.

Just on SEN someone panning the AFL for ignoring the plight of the Lions whilst all the euphoria of the new women's league is in the spotlight. He claimed that the Lions are "being left to wither on the vine".

Jon Ralph.

Richmond supporter, guess which team didn't get a team in the comp?

He wouldn't have mentioned it if the Tigers had a licence.

There will be plenty of sponsorship, sponsorship of women is easier to tap into than getting sponsorship of men.

Marketing companies know that women control about 80% of household spending. That means they will get sponsorship from revenue streams that are not traditionally associated with mens sport. Think Tip Top, Meadow Lea, Kleenex, Coles, Aldi or Woolworths. Sounds sexist because it is, and humanity cannot do anything about the fact there are two sexes.

You won't see any mens teams sponsored by Cuddly Fabric Softener, but you will see women's teams getting access to that sort of money.

Even in markets traditionally dominated by males, look at the bulk of new car ads, they are now more likely to be a mum taking the kids to soccer than a lumberjack cutting down a defenseless tree.

It's a six-week season, who is going to tip a bucket of cash into that ??

You have no idea what the business case is.

You don't like the sport, that's fine. But don't justify your disdain for the sport by trying to make a business case against it when you have no idea of the facts.

Although I shouldn't be surprised.

Given that you've offered nothing more than a petty backhander, clearly you have no idea also.

If you are content that this new venture will not be a money drain on the club when our finances are still rather shakey, then good for you.

It's a six-week season, who is going to tip a bucket of cash into that ??

At the moment.

A major golf tournament only goes for four days, Wimbledon only goes for two weeks, surfing just two, who'd put there money into those?

Sorry Sheik, but your arguments are sounding slightly old world like Alan Jones, Ray Hadley or John Singleton! It's 13 year old girls and social media that determine what is on TV or Youtube, which music gets streamed and what colour is the hottest fashion.

Waiting for the first female installment of Sheik's "Backed, Cracked and Sacked"...lol.

Given that you've offered nothing more than a petty backhander, clearly you have no idea also.

If you are content that this new venture will not be a money drain on the club when our finances are still rather shakey, then good for you.

I'm not claiming I do.

You don't like the idea of womens footy, we get it. Because you get called out for your disdainful comments on the sport you turn to a matter of which you are equally ignorant, the business case, to try and maintain some legitimacy.

Waiting for the first female installment of Sheik's "Backed, Cracked and Sacked"...lol.

Sounds funny and we can make some jokes about it, but that would be every bit as legitimate as the male version, and rightly so.

At the moment.

A major golf tournament only goes for four days, Wimbledon only goes for two weeks, surfing just two, who'd put there money into those?

Sorry Sheik, but your arguments are sounding slightly old world like Alan Jones, Ray Hadley or John Singleton! It's 13 year old girls and social media that determine what is on TV or Youtube, which music gets streamed and what colour is the hottest fashion.

A major golf tournament may run for four days but it is fully televised across all four days locally as well as internationally, ditto Wimbledon. The viewing market is enormous when compared to what this womens league may have.

Waiting for the first female installment of Sheik's "Backed, Cracked and Sacked"...lol.

Cheeky !!!

Don't know enough about the players to put up anything remotely authorative on the matter.





** waits for some smart alec to say "well that hasn't stopped you in the past" **  :P

A major golf tournament may run for four days but it is fully televised across all four days locally as well as internationally, ditto Wimbledon. The viewing market is enormous when compared to what this womens league may have.

Advertising is not syndicated globally, it's sold/re-sold locally, that is why when you go to an Ad break the advertisers content is local.

The part that is syndicated globally is the right to re-broadcast, the sport or event itself. The local broadcaster must still find local advertisers and sponsorship.

I suppose I'm an oldie these days, over 50s, but I am not oblivious to how the corporate world thinks about me. They make sure we oldies perceive them as treating us with respect, but in terms of determining where they market and the directions they take, they are mostly ambivalent to our opinions. The only time they will take me seriously is if I have money to invest, and with that money I'll want them to invest in the market that offers the most growth and ROI, I want them tapping into the youth market.

Pensioners don't spend, period riddled emotionally wrecked teenage girls do! You know who taught me this, one of Australia's top retail marketing executives, a woman!

PS; It's not right, it's just reality!

I'm not claiming I do.

You don't like the idea of womens footy, we get it. Because you get called out for your disdainful comments on the sport you turn to a matter of which you are equally ignorant, the business case, to try and maintain some legitimacy.

It's not that I don't like the idea of women's footy, I'm very sceptical about not only it's long-term viability but also us being one of the first licencees.

Why should we be part of it initially when there will be 5 new teams in 2018 ??

Surely the smarter approach would be to let another club have that spot and we can watch them all from the outside to see what errors they make plus how the clubs & league deal with the teething problems initially.

I don't believe we are in a strong enough position financially to take on such a thing just yet.

Cheeky !!!

Don't know enough about the players to put up anything remotely authorative on the matter.





** waits for some smart alec to say "well that hasn't stopped you in the past" **  :P

Well, that hasn't stopped you in the past...lol!

You rotten sod !!!    ;) 

It's not that I don't like the idea of women's footy, I'm very sceptical about not only it's long-term viability but also us being one of the first licencees.

I think the AFL will subsidise it heavily knowing if they can't make a rivalry like Carlton / Collingwood work then there is not much short term hope for rapid growth. I am sure that is why we go the nod ahead of other clubs. I doubt it will cost us a lot and every dollar we spend is targeted at more than half the population.

Long term it should work regardless, I think our club wants to be in on the ground level, for the same reason CheatsFC got into the ground level at Docklands. The sweetest deals will be done early.

The Sheik is taking a bit of flak. I wonder if BBB will step in to help him out. :)

I read that only 30% of our members are female and is below average. There must be a lot of potential female members out there that the old Carlton have ignored much the same way they ignored many things that have been detrimental to the club.

It may well prove timely for us that BB and a new admin has stepped in just as the female league has developed.

The Sheik is taking a bit of flak. I wonder if BBB will step in to help him out. :)

I read that only 30% of our members are female and is below average. There must be a lot of potential female members out there that the old Carlton have ignored much the same way they ignored many things that have been detrimental to the club.

It may well prove timely for us that BB and a new admin has stepped in just as the female league has developed.

I saw that too and it seems that we're well off the pace.  Hopefully our women's team will boost female membership.

It's not that I don't like the idea of women's footy, I'm very sceptical about not only it's long-term viability but also us being one of the first licencees.

Why should we be part of it initially when there will be 5 new teams in 2018 ??

Surely the smarter approach would be to let another club have that spot and we can watch them all from the outside to see what errors they make plus how the clubs & league deal with the teething problems initially.

I don't believe we are in a strong enough position financially to take on such a thing just yet.

The smartest position is neither to take the first spot nor to sit back and wait to see if something works.

The best strategy is to identify an opportunity and develop a strategy to take advantage and, in this circumstance, we've decided that being one of the first clubs is the best way forward.

Apparently Geelong engaged the Boston Consulting Group to handle their bid . Have a look at their pedigree and decide for yourself if it's a good idea to go in first . Apparently Geelong are spewing.

I always like to see initiatives that lead to a growth and expansion of the game.

Sometimes these hit a bit of a brick wall and never seem to progress...International Rules is one such concept.

Lots of positives in this one...as some have mentioned the flow through to the junior competitions is an important one and a major battleground is Western Sydney.

While Rugby League has some good female participation rates in touch footy they don't really have a female form of the game and by it's nature it's unlikely ever to have one.

Here's where our game has a good opportunity to build a generational interest, as young women see a pathway to play the game at a high level.
As the women's game strengthens at the junior level Mum's and Dads can have kids of both genders involved rather than splitting time between sports.
As these kids grow up and have kids of their own support of the game will increase.

Very pleased to see teams in Brisbane and Western Sydney as well as Carlton.

In 2017, the AFL will subsidise each AWFL team to the tune of $1mill so you have assume that the running costs per annum are around that figure.

In 2018, where is the club going to find that extra $1mill to cover the running costs of the women's team ??

You are assuming that the AFL will not continue to subsidise clubs past 2017. Correct me if i'm wrong, but i haven't read anything that suggests this.

If the AFL go on past efforts, subsidies will continue as long as they are needed. GWS are still having bucket loads of cash thrown at them.....and its more than a mere $1mil.

FWIW, most 'start up businesses' lose money in the first year, maybe 2. The whole point is long term gain. So even IF we are a little out of pocket initially, i think it will pay dividends over the long haul.

So stoked to see the national womens league get off the ground, and even more proud that Carlton are going to be one of the inaugural clubs.

Really disappointed at some of the comments on here, which just highlight many of the obstacles that female sportspeople face each day. Thankfully attitudes like these are becoming a thing of the past, even if that's an extremely slow process. A lot of the comments made about the skill level of women footballers could be said of many men playing at suburban clubs, however those men often take home a bit of cash for their efforts. Until now even the best female footballers have been prohibited from being paid for their services which is yet another example of gender inequality in sport.

Not only do women in almost all sports, play second fiddle to the men in terms of facilities and resources, then they're mocked for not having the same level of skill as their male counterparts. If the same amount of money and time was poured into womens sport as it is men, there would be a massive difference in the output.

I'm so proud of all the women who will represent the 8 clubs next year, a lot of them have (until recently) done it with so fewer opportunities than far less talented men. I've had the privilege of playing with or against a number of them and have seen first hand how hard they work to achieve what they have.  Also very thankful to the AFL for stepping in about 5 years ago and investing heavily in the development of womens footy.

Now here's hoping the Billie Judd and the Carrazzo triplets can come along and represent the Blues one day  ;)

Let me start with saying i am 100% behind the club and its new venture.....and the AFL for that matter.

Now, let me play devils advocate a bit here in answering a question with a question.
re bold paragraphs...
Is it not a case of simple economics - supply and demand?

Could it be that suburban men, and obviously AFL players get paid to play because it is financially viable to do so. That is, people are willing to pay to watch blokes run around in the suburban leagues.....at least in terms of inflated bar prices at a minimum. So in order to grow that 'business', paying for better players is the way to go. Both in goodwill, and immediate financial revenue.

In regards to womens sport, i think it is more about a lack of audience, rather than a lack of skill as to why women don't get paid (more/at all).

You are assuming that the AFL will not continue to subsidise clubs past 2017. Correct me if i'm wrong, but i haven't read anything that suggests this.

If the AFL go on past efforts, subsidies will continue as long as they are needed. GWS are still having bucket loads of cash thrown at them.....and its more than a mere $1mil.

FWIW, most 'start up businesses' lose money in the first year, maybe 2. The whole point is long term gain. So even IF we are a little out of pocket initially, i think it will pay dividends over the long haul.

I can't see the AFL tipping in vast amounts of money if there is no return on their investment. I realise they throw money at GWS & GC but they are strategically located clubs who tie in importantly with their gazillion dollar TV rights deal.

The other issue that concerns me most is if this doesn't succeed, how exposed might we be when our finances are already not where we want them to be.

 

I can't see the AFL tipping in vast amounts of money if there is no return on their investment. I realise they throw money at GWS & GC but they are strategically located clubs who tie in importantly with their gazillion dollar TV rights deal.

The other issue that concerns me most is if this doesn't succeed, how exposed might we be when our finances are already not where we want them to be.

If we can get a bit of money and the relevant council approval to do up Princes Park and be able to use it for both men and women this team will pay for itself three times over in the next ten years.

This could be extremely lucrative for our footy club if we manage to work this the right way and that's with a woman's team that's insolvent.  Imagine they actually get a bit of sponsorship, garner a crowd and turn a profit.

If we can get a bit of money and the relevant council approval to do up Princes Park and be able to use it for both men and women this team will pay for itself three times over in the next ten years.

This could be extremely lucrative for our footy club if we manage to work this the right way and that's with a woman's team that's insolvent.  Imagine they actually get a bit of sponsorship, garner a crowd and turn a profit.

It would be a sensational result if Princes Park was reinstated as a genuine venue once again, I'm not sure how viable that option really is but it is worth aiming for. 

Given that you've offered nothing more than a petty backhander, clearly you have no idea also.

If you are content that this new venture will not be a money drain on the club when our finances are still rather shakey, then good for you.

Give it 3 years. If the women's side of the club is not making a profit by it's 4th season, then we as a club are either doing it wrong or the comp as a whole has been a flop.
It may take time to build up solid sponsorship and membership numbers along with every thing else, but with the right model, I can see no reason why our women's team will not be able to stand up on their own financially within 3-4 years.


I found it interesting what LP said about the women having a whole different marketing market to get their sponsorship from. I'd never really thought about it, but I reckon he makes a good point.

The Sheik is taking a bit of flak. I wonder if BBB will step in to help him out. :)

Which one? He has 2 to choose from......  ::)

Give it 3 years. If the women's side of the club is not making a profit by it's 4th season, then we as a club are either doing it wrong or the comp as a whole has been a flop.

I agree with you here, it will certainly take three-years before we can get a clear picture on it's overall viability.



 

It would be a sensational result if Princes Park was reinstated as a genuine venue once again, I'm not sure how viable that option really is but it is worth aiming for.

The women need a ground to play at most weeks in Melbourne and I can't see many better options that are almost ready to go.

Then we can start angling wheeling and dealing on improving the place, and I reckon we will get our way in the court of public opinion and therefore government grants faster than you can say the words "misogyny" "equality".

There are many ways to get the council to approve what they have previously rejected but some ways are easier than others.

Let me start with saying i am 100% behind the club and its new venture.....and the AFL for that matter.

Now, let me play devils advocate a bit here in answering a question with a question.
re bold paragraphs...
Is it not a case of simple economics - supply and demand?

Could it be that suburban men, and obviously AFL players get paid to play because it is financially viable to do so. That is, people are willing to pay to watch blokes run around in the suburban leagues.....at least in terms of inflated bar prices at a minimum. So in order to grow that 'business', paying for better players is the way to go. Both in goodwill, and immediate financial revenue.

In regards to womens sport, i think it is more about a lack of audience, rather than a lack of skill as to why women don't get paid (more/at all).

No, even clubs that that had the money to pay players through sponsorship and food and drinks etc, have been prohibited to do so. But even for the clubs who struggle, it's that old adage 'you have to spend money to make money'. The investment in facilities for women's sport is ridiculous in comparison to men. The amount of footy grounds that don't even have change room facilities to cater for women is crazy. Also there's the fact that women's clubs who share facilities with a men's club, often get relegated to training and playing at times that aren't entirely convenient because the men get first priority.

The commitment and sacrifice that a lot of women make to play footy is (in my opinion) a lot greater than guys at the same level, yet the women get rewarded far less. For example, in both the clubs that I played for, we shared an oval with men's teams. That meant that we trainined on Wenesdays and Fridays because the guys got the oval on Tuesday and Thursday. Our games are on Sunday's because the blokes have Saturday games. This means if you want to play footy and you're female, you better be prepared to give up your entire weekend to footy and say goodbye to a social life for 6 months every year. Can't really do much on Friday nights because you have training, can't do much Saturday nights because you've got a game the next day. Can't really go out after the game if you don't live near your ground because there aren't any appropriate shower facilities to clean up after the game.

I know it sounds trivial, but these factors prohibit a lot of young women from fully committing to a sport, which means the pool is even less than what it could be.

Hope the team is embraced as a part of the Club and isn't treated like some gimmicky side project.
I'm sure with Kate Jenkins around, this wont be the case.

I am not sure about the merits of womens football. It appears to be a growing sport and as more play the standard should improve.

I don't think it will be a stand alone crowd or TV success however I think they could be great curtain raisers or played in conjunction with the mens game.

Having said that I would rather be involved from the beginning and its a failure, than not be involved and its a success!

The league wont let it fail!

The league wont let it fail!

I see it as a significant step is wrestling back some of the momentum lost to soccer at the lower levels. Already a lot of Girls play soccer, they become mum's who think soccer is a better game for their kids, get the girls playing footy and they will feel better about their kids playing footy. It will take a while, but it will happen.

Due to the size of the playing list/team, there is a tribal aspect to AFL that cannot be matched by soccer or other football codes.

You rotten sod !!!    ;)

Haha!

No, even clubs that that had the money to pay players through sponsorship and food and drinks etc, have been prohibited to do so. But even for the clubs who struggle, it's that old adage 'you have to spend money to make money'. The investment in facilities for women's sport is ridiculous in comparison to men. The amount of footy grounds that don't even have change room facilities to cater for women is crazy. Also there's the fact that women's clubs who share facilities with a men's club, often get relegated to training and playing at times that aren't entirely convenient because the men get first priority.

The commitment and sacrifice that a lot of women make to play footy is (in my opinion) a lot greater than guys at the same level, yet the women get rewarded far less. For example, in both the clubs that I played for, we shared an oval with men's teams. That meant that we trainined on Wenesdays and Fridays because the guys got the oval on Tuesday and Thursday. Our games are on Sunday's because the blokes have Saturday games. This means if you want to play footy and you're female, you better be prepared to give up your entire weekend to footy and say goodbye to a social life for 6 months every year. Can't really do much on Friday nights because you have training, can't do much Saturday nights because you've got a game the next day. Can't really go out after the game if you don't live near your ground because there aren't any appropriate shower facilities to clean up after the game.

I know it sounds trivial, but these factors prohibit a lot of young women from fully committing to a sport, which means the pool is even less than what it could be.

Look, i agree with you that women have it harder. I fully understand everything you are saying. Basically the men 'pull rank' and the women get whats left. I know its unfair in that regard.

What i am suggesting by playing devils advocate is that it is that way, and may always be that way, simply because more people (both men and women) are more interested in watching the men play.
Essentially, i don't think it is that way because of some gender issue exactly, but more of a supply and demand issue.
Women may never get the same as men (in football) because ultimately it is a business and it is easier to make money loking after the men, as that is what the majority of people want.

Its like saying that the over 35's leagues don't get as many advantages as the mens side. Thats not ageist, its just the way it is as people are not as interested in it.
Its like saying that people who want to play hurling in Melbourne can't find a place to play because the grounds are all taken up by cricket, soccer, rugby and football. If you go to Ireland, its the opposite.

I'm all for giving Women as much help as we can give them in setting up their own league with all the bells and whistles. I can't forsee it growing to the level that AFL is at though. Because of that, they will never get the same 'help'. How big it grows depends on how much 'help' it gets. Of course its a catch 22 as how much help it gets depends on how big it can get....to a certain extent at least.

So again, i don't wish to take anything away from the moment. I am probably more happy than the majority of people if this site is anything to go by. I just think everyones expectations vary wildly with what this could actually mean to the club and individuals.

I can't see the AFL tipping in vast amounts of money if there is no return on their investment. I realise they throw money at GWS & GC but they are strategically located clubs who tie in importantly with their gazillion dollar TV rights deal.

The other issue that concerns me most is if this doesn't succeed, how exposed might we be when our finances are already not where we want them to be.

You can't see, but thats what they do....long term goals.

Took Sydney 20+ years to work.

Letting women play in a national comp will not have any immediate benefit, but mothers who play are more likely to let their kids play (both boys and girls). It ensures a level of growth that may take decades to show.

I was a bit gobsmacked to hear my father state not long ago that he will go watch women's footy if Carlton get a team up. As far as he was concerned, if they wear a cfc then he will go watch. Now will get to hold him to it.

The success or failure of this venture will be well discussed, but as a poster below alluded, comparing the emerging women's game to the men's is perhaps an unfair comparison. Women's aussie rules may be better comparing (if it must be compared at all) itself to soccer, in so far as participation and number of teams, as this seems fairer, than to the AFL which has well over a century of evolution behind it. This might be a better benchmark, and support the game to become its own thing, rather than constantly being compared to league football played by men, which always lets naysayers have a crack on the basis of sponsership and tv ratings. If tv ratings are the benchmark then why dont we compare footy to masterchef or home reno shows.

As for us, a longer term vision of the cfc is (could be) a club that fields a league team, a reserves team, a women's team, a couple of other development teams and does a whole lot of other things related to football, sport and community health more generally.  The potential for revenue sources is expanded, as is a foundation for sustainability and intergenerational support via memberships. Women's footy is just part of the picture.

I am extremely excited by this league and that we have a team. Really proud, and really excited. I will be following the draft and potential recruits and actual AFL games quite closely. Womens/Girls footy at local level and in schools is awesome to watch! Some seriously talented ladies play footy! Go Blues! And, Go Ladies!

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/olympian-kim-mickle-joins-dockers-for-womens-league/news-story/ae5b864e57ddbcf60a82a825cfee4aa7

Olympic javelin athlete Kim Mickle has signed with Fremantle for the national women’s league and is expected to be ready for pre-season training despite her post-Rio Games shoulder reconstruction.

As a dubious part time throwing coach I find this interesting.
We know she has a pretty high pain threshold...We saw Kim's shoulder blow out in the act of throwing at the games and then she had to wander around looking for someone to help put it back ::)...question is..... How will those shoulders stand up?

[flash=400,400]https://www.youtube.com/v/iFePfqDWD7Y[/flash]
BTW She can kick a goal  :D

Congrats to Mick Stinear ex Blue rookie and current Oakleigh Chargers coach on getting the gig as coach of the Demons womens team. Had the pleasure of dealing with Mick when he was organising a girls half time match at the MCG in which my daughter was playing and day of the game we got the news through my mother was dying. Mick was fantastic in helping organise so my daughter could play the game (as my Mum would have wanted) while my wife and I went to Mum's side. Really put himself out and came across as a genuinely nice bloke.

Thanks for posting Ian - we need more quality blokes in footy.