AFLW's Decade of Change: Empowering Women, Shattering Norms, and Transforming Australian Football
August 14, 2025
Photographs from AFLW, captured by Megan Brewer, highlight key moments of the league, challenging societal norms around women's appearance and behavior in sports, and showcasing the evolution of female football.
Celebrating its 10th season since its inception in 2017, AFLW has rapidly developed into a competitive and community-driven league that continues to transform Australian rules football.
Female participation in football has surged by nearly 200%, with AFLW serving as a catalyst for social change by creating more opportunities and inspiring young women to engage with the sport.
Fan support remains crucial, with ticket sales and TV viewership helping the league grow, extend seasons, and gain greater exposure.
Rule changes in AFLW aim to increase game speed and scoring, making matches more exciting and appealing to fans, while also fostering a faster, more strategic style of play.
Players are now fitter, stronger, and more professional, thanks to improved resources that emphasize athleticism and skill development.
Milestones such as players approaching 100 games highlight the league’s growth, resilience, and the significance of individual achievements in its history.
Discussions around misogyny and body shaming, exemplified by backlash against players like Tayla Harris, continue to be part of the league’s narrative, prompting ongoing conversations about respect and representation.
Representation has improved, with moments like Erin Phillips kissing her wife after winning an award normalizing same-sex relationships and promoting inclusivity in the sport.
AFLW maintains a community-focused, family-friendly atmosphere with local grounds and intimate experiences that foster a welcoming environment for fans and participants alike.
The inaugural AFLW match in 2017 drew 24,000 fans, marking a historic milestone as the first professional women’s league in Australian rules football, 121 years after the men's league was established.
Historical photographs reveal the struggles of women in sports, such as early images of women in ill-fitting skirts playing football, highlighting the league’s progress over time.
Despite progress, female athletes still face 'legacy pressure' to maintain positive public images amid challenges like financial instability and pay disparities.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

ABC News • Aug 9, 2025
AFLW is celebrating 10 seasons, these photographs tell its story
The Age • Aug 14, 2025
10 reasons to watch AFLW in its 10th season