The Australian Football League "shut down plans for immediate expansion of its national women's league," but "foreshadowed at least two teams will be added" in '19, according to Wood & Higgins of the HERALD SUN. The five clubs that unsuccessfully sought a license last year will receive "priority weighting" when the AFL considers additions to the foundation eight-team competition. But the "door has been opened" to the five clubs that originally did not seek a women's team to "leapfrog" the "priority" candidates. The AFL announced its commission determined the talent pool -- comprising about 220 players in AFLW -- and fan base "would not support extra teams" in '18. The AFL said a decision on the expansion teams for '19 "would be made mid-year." AFL Game Development Manager Simon Lethlean said, "We spoke to all five of the clubs with provisional licenses this year and some were disappointed. But I think they see the opportunity now to have themselves well-organized to be considered and hopefully get a license and have some time to prepare with good momentum going into the '19 season, rather than rushing late this year to get it done" (HERALD SUN, 5/9). The AAP reported AFL sides Geelong and St. Kilda were "among the clubs to express an interest in fielding women's teams next year," having missed out on a license in the maiden season. Geelong CEO Brian Cook said that the club was "disappointed that there would not be a Geelong Cats team competing in the 2018 AFLW season." Cook added, "We believe we made a good case for expansion and we will continue the work we are doing to grow the game and the investment in our VFL (Victorian Football League) women's team" (AAP, 5/9).
POWER PLAY: In Adelaide, Jesper Fjeldstad reported Port Adelaide will "decide later this year" whether it will push for a spot in the '19 national women's league. Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas "earlier put on record that the China project and the men's program are the immediate priorities" but said that the club "remained passionate about women's football." Thomas: "Port Adelaide remains committed to promoting and developing women's football at a grassroots level here in South Australia" (THE ADVERTISER, 5/9).
