Will there be two premiers crowned in the AFLW competition in 2022? If the AFL goes ahead with its plan to start the next season in August this year, then we will have two 2022 premiers. What could we call them? Season A and Season B?
From a player’s perspective I support the decision to play in the cooler months, rather than the middle of summer. This current season we saw games played in extreme conditions considered too hot for spectators, let alone players.
AFLW matches have always been family-friendly and when games are played in hot conditions at suburban grounds, where seating and shade are limited, it makes it difficult for spectators of all ages.
An additional challenge this season has been that the season started during the summer break, when many people were away, escaping the heat.
The August to December timeslot means the AFLW won’t be competing against other summer sports such as cricket and tennis. And although the first month of the season will be played during the men’s finals campaign, the season opener will be given free air, played in the pre-finals bye. Similar to what the AFL have done with the men’s round, by scheduling blockbuster games to start the year, the same could be done in the women’s competition. We could have traditional rivals or the grand final rematch all featuring in an exciting opening round.
The staff at the AFL and the clubs are what makes the game tick and although the majority of the focus of the August start date has centred around the players, it’s the program staff who will enjoy the benefits too.
The Demons run out at Casey Fields.Credit:Getty Images
A large proportion of staff work in roles across both the men’s and women’s seasons, from the membership team through to the media team. Finishing both seasons by December will enable back-of-house staff to take a break during the summer period, an option that has not been possible over the past six years.
The other side of starting the next AFLW season in August is the impact it will have on players who have suffered long-term injuries such as ACLs. This group – including Bri Davey, Kate Lutkins, Izzy Huntington, and others – is unlikely to be ready to return to the game in August, meaning they will miss another season of footy. This will be a huge loss for the game.
August company: Shifting the AFLW season is a winning move
Source: Philippines Alive
