New Australian Football League Represents Leap For Women's Sport

An Australian Football League's women’s talent camp in Sydney "attracted talent from such diverse sports as roller derby and frisbee, but rival codes have scoffed at suggestions of a player drain from other sports," according to Amanda Lulham of the HERALD SUN. Netball Australia CEO Kate Palmer "welcomed the introduction of another women’s league to the sporting landscape" from '17, when eight teams will contest the inaugural women’s AFL competition. Palmer believes that "it will be a game changer in terms of additional profile for women’s sport and increased playing opportunities for women." Palmer said, "Competition is always good. The more competition, the more we will lift. It keeps everyone on their toes. It challenges us." The cost of each franchise has been estimated at A$500,000 ($357,500). It is also understood top players could earn around A$20,000 ($14,300) "while others may only be covered for travel costs and incidentals" (HERALD SUN, 2/21).