In late 2017, the Sharks, Creekers and Devils were forced out of VFLW despite their solid record of offering flourishing women’s footy programs where their players were able to develop, have a sense of community and actually enjoy their football.

They ran these programs through the hard work of their committees and volunteers, and squeezed value out of every dollar. At the end of the 2017 season, the powers that be made made the costs & regulations prohibitive...

...with an aim to “professionalise” the comp. In their wake, AFL clubs who had barely cared about female footy beyond PR bought licenses and claimed to be all in. Be careful what you wish for.