Why are the Swans not bidding for the AFLW?

[Meg]

I am disappointed that the Swans aren't yet able to support a women's team but, like you, I'm not disappointed in the club. I would much rather they do it properly, when they have the facilities to do so, rather than rush into something they're not able to support yet.

This is my view as well. If the Swans had a women's team now it would be almost a separate entity, segregated from the men's team and the club facilities. And how many would make the hike to support them if they played at Blacktown?

The Giants have an enviable integrated set up for their men and women at Tom Wills Oval at Olympic Park. I hope that is what the club is seeking to emulate.

[liz]

I think the Swans reaction is commendable and I think your reaction is errm, reactionary

At the moment we simply don't have the resources or infrastructure to do this properly. I do think North Sydney Oval would be a brilliant venue if available but I suspect it simply isn't.

And whatever people say on here the talent just isn't there at the moment. You reference to us to Brisbane but the number of women up there blows Sydney way out of the water right now.

But the game for girls is going gangbusters and I believe there will be enough talent in 4-5 years which is why the announcement of the Girls Academy for 12-13 year olds is so significant. We've been unequivocal about wanting a team but we'll do it properly, like we do with everything we'll do

I am disappointed that the Swans aren't yet able to support a women's team but, like you, I'm not disappointed in the club. I would much rather they do it properly, when they have the facilities to do so, rather than rush into something they're not able to support yet.

I doubt the AFL will grant another 8 licences for 2019. I suspect it will be four - one to Geelong, one to Freo, maybe one to the Suns (if the AFL thinks they can support it) and one to another Melbourne based club. Geographically, St Kilda or Hawthorn would make sense, given there's not currently a club to the east of Melbourne. The Swans should be ready by the following wave of licences and I doubt they will be penalised by not applying earlier. So long as the demand to play is there, I imagine a second team in Sydney would be attractive to the AFL.

[Meg]

Incidentally does NWL=AFLW??

Yes it does. The announcement that the new women's competition would be called 'AFLW' was made just before the beginning of the first season which commenced in February 2017. The Swans statement that uses 'NWL' was made in April 2016 when that title was generally used.

[Mug Punter]

I think it's embarrassing and disappointing that the Swans are one of just two teams that aren't interested. I doubt the other 16 teams all have the best facilities but they have made it work or are at least willing to try. The Lions - one of the grand finalists from this years comp - are still looking for an appropriate ground for their team. Would the players and supporters rather they waited until they had one? I doubt it after the season they've just had. The AFLW generated a huge amount of interest and goodwill for the AFL and the Swans are choosing to be left behind, and are leaving their members who would love to support a women's team stranded.

I think the Swans reaction is commendable and I think your reaction is errm, reactionary

At the moment we simply don't have the resources or infrastructure to do this properly. I do think North Sydney Oval would be a brilliant venue if available but I suspect it simply isn't.

And whatever people say on here the talent just isn't there at the moment. You reference to us to Brisbane but the number of women up there blows Sydney way out of the water right now.

But the game for girls is going gangbusters and I believe there will be enough talent in 4-5 years which is why the announcement of the Girls Academy for 12-13 year olds is so significant. We've been unequivocal about wanting a team but we'll do it properly, like we do with everything we'll do

[monopoly19]

I think it's embarrassing and disappointing that the Swans are one of just two teams that aren't interested. I doubt the other 16 teams all have the best facilities but they have made it work or are at least willing to try. The Lions - one of the grand finalists from this years comp - are still looking for an appropriate ground for their team. Would the players and supporters rather they waited until they had one? I doubt it after the season they've just had. The AFLW generated a huge amount of interest and goodwill for the AFL and the Swans are choosing to be left behind, and are leaving their members who would love to support a women's team stranded.

[bloodspirit]

It should be a "touch" game and not a tackle game.

I think you're being ironic?

[AnnieH]

We don't have the room.
We don't have the money.
It should be a "touch" game and not a tackle game.

[bloodspirit]

Why does it have to be in the Eastern Suburbs.
What about North SYDNEY Oval . They have to find a way, the women are so keen , they would play anywhere .

The issue is not a venue to play at - it is training facilities. They want to co-locate the women with the men so they can all be integrated as part of the one club and currently there is no space. Here are some excerpts from the statement:

The Sydney Swans are at maximum utilisation of their facility at the SCG and there is no capacity or space for an additional team to be housed at the Club?s headquarters.
Planning is underway for a new training and administration facility in the Moore Park Precinct, which will include provisions for both a Female Academy and a future NWL team, as well as the existing QBE Sydney Swans Academy and Indigenous Academy. However, the new facility is still some years away.
Swans Chief Executive and Managing Director Andrew Ireland said the advent of a National Women?s League is terrific for football, and the Swans are committed to participating in the league, but will defer their application for a licence until the Club is in a position to deliver a program to an elite standard.@

What's great is that the development of the Girls Academy shows how committed the club are to having a team in the future. Taya O'Loughlin looks a good prospect!

Incidentally does NWL=AFLW??

[aardvark]

Well, Meg, you were absolutely right about the video: classic feelgood. And watching the way the girls move and respond to questions it looks as if we'll have some talent on our hands. The Bloodsline seems to be running true.

Hopefully by the time the girls are old enough we'll have a team.

[dimelb]

Just out and very relevant to this topic. And you must watch the video in the article - it's a delight!

"?While our football club hasn?t been in a position to apply for an AFLW licence to-date, mostly due to challenges with our facilities, we have always said we are committed to broadening female participation at all levels of our game and creating opportunities for women in football. We see the Youth Girls Academy as an important first step towards establishing a Sydney Swans AFLW team."

Swans launch Youth Girls Academy - sydneyswans.com.au

Well, Meg, you were absolutely right about the video: classic feelgood. And watching the way the girls move and respond to questions it looks as if we'll have some talent on our hands. The Bloodsline seems to be running true.

[mattybloods]

I like the idea of an academy launching prior to us having a AFLW team. By the time we're in the league we could have mostly local players which would be great. Still It's not a good look being one of the last to join the comp

[barry]

Another free kick to the Giants.

[Meg]

Just out and very relevant to this topic. And you must watch the video in the article - it's a delight!

"?While our football club hasn?t been in a position to apply for an AFLW licence to-date, mostly due to challenges with our facilities, we have always said we are committed to broadening female participation at all levels of our game and creating opportunities for women in football. We see the Youth Girls Academy as an important first step towards establishing a Sydney Swans AFLW team."

Swans launch Youth Girls Academy - sydneyswans.com.au

[rb4x]

Cricket would have most of the possible venues locked up. Blacktown was mentioned as the only possible location.

[mattybloods]

Why does it have to be in the Eastern Suburbs.
What about North SYDNEY Oval . They have to find a way, the women are so keen , they would play anywhere .

I agree, North Sydney oval is probably the ideal venue. Another good one to consider is Drummoyne, although seating capacity might be an issue.

My thought was that there must be a big financial input in starting a Women's team and that we want to see how the competition plays out for a few years before making a bid. Although the first year was a success it will be interesting to see how well it builds over the next 5 or so years.