Summary

Colour-printed flyer promoting the forthcoming inaugural AFL Women's Competition, held in Melbourne from 3 February to 25 March 2017. The Carlton flyer features prominent team member Lauren Arnell, and the logos of the AFL, NAB and AFL Women's Competition. The reverse of the flyer endorses the family fun atmosphere of coming to the matches in person at Ikon Park, Melbourne, and lists the first 4 rounds of matches. Young girls playing football feature predominantly at the bottom of the flyer, along with an invitation to join AFL Auskick, Juniors, or community "footy", and a referral to the website www.play.afl.

Physical Description

Colour-printed glossy flyer, predominantly orange in colour. Features female football player posing with football.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
This acquisition documents the formation and commencement of the first Australian Football League Women's competition, launched 3 February 2017. This was an event of enormous historical significance: while women have been recorded as playing competition Australian Rules football since the early 20th century, and the AFL supported the introduction of two demonstration matches (Melbourne and Western Bulldogs) in 2015-16, this 2017 competition marked the first offically recognised and supported competition by the AFL. It involved eight teams from five states, playing eachother once over seven rounds around Australia, culminating in a top of the table grand final match (won by the Adelaide Crows). Matches were televised and the first match between Collingwood and Carlton at Princes Park on 3 February which saw a crowd 'lockout' (some 27,000 people attended) demonstrated the community interest and support in a women's competition as well as the historical import of the event.

More Information