A future for women in the AFL?

We hear a lot these days about the decline of the traditional gender defined roles and stereotypes in society. And we can all think of someone that we know in our lives who confirms this trend, whether it be a stay-at-home dad or the lady who drives your bus.

At the moment, highly skilled women in the game are not taken seriously. Events like the Brownlow medal awards ceremony exacerbates the problem, with commentary regarding the best and worst dressed partners of the attending male AFL players appearing in Women’s magazines.

Former Collingwood played turned radio and television commentator, Brian Taylor, made the following remark about women in the sport.

"Now they're there after every bloody game. Why? What's going on here? I'm not sure that's a good thing for footy."

This sort of criticism is concerningly widespread.

Journalist Beverley O'Conner, first female director of the Melbourne Demons club, recently wrote an article on the issue stressing that women should be taken seriously in the game.

“Our involvement is not only as wife or girlfriend, but as physio, trainer, coach, umpire and player. From boardroom to changeroom, the participation of women should not still be up for discussion in 2013.”

Chelsea Roffey: The AFL's first female umpire and goal umpire in the 2012 grand final.
(Source: ABC)

However, a fair question to ponder is whether or not such a physically violent and aggressive sport will ever appeal to many women. After all, it is statistically the most dangerous sport in Australia (according to the Medibank Private Safe Sports Report 2006, based on patient presentations to Australian hospital emergency departments and general medical practices).

So will there be a more publicised AFL competition for women? Like the W-League in the soccer, for example. Currently the AFL Women’s Championships struggles to make a story in any media outlet. The top Google search result for ‘afl women's round 2013’ is the website for the 2013 AFL fixtures (for the male competition). For now it seems that Aussie Rules - like the other four football codes, remains a clearly male-dominated game in almost every aspect.

- Lachlan Lewis

Rugby League - State of Origin My Blues Side Part 2

In my previous blog I named my 1-7 for the NSW Blues for this years State of Origin Series. I have them lining up as follows:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Brett Morris
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce

Today I will reveal my 8-17 as well as my prediction for this years series.

Front Row - Paul Gallen and Aaron Woods

Paul Gallen is normally a backrower however with Blues front row stocks seemingly low I have him playing in the front row. He has won a man of the match reward in the front row and plays in the middle of the park anyway. Aaron Woods is only 22 and playing for the struggling Wests Tigers yet he is the form front rower of the comp. He is in the starting side as history shows its easier for a debutant front rower to get involved if he starts the game.

Hooker - Robbie Farah

The best hooker from NSW. Was named the NSW player of the series last year and if he didn't play for a inconsistent club side he might be known as the best in the comp.

Second Row - Greg Bird and Ryan Hoffman

Greg Bird is in great form and represented Australia last month as well as being an incumbent from last years series. Ryan Hoffman has not played for NSW since 2009, however he has represented Australia in recent times. He was man of the match in the city country fixture and would be the form front rower in the side.

Lock Forward - Luke Lewis

Another incumbent. Although he had a change of clubs in the off season he is still the same player. He has been a cornerstone of the Blues pack for years and that won't be changing anytime soon.

Bench - Kurt Gidley, Anthony Watmough, James Tamou and Trent Merrin

Kurt Gidley nabs the bench utility spot on experience (he is a former blues captain) and versatility  He can cover the whole back line (1-7) and can play hooker and lock forward. Anthony Watmough is a proven performer off the bench for the Blues and will add impact when he is injected into the game. James Tamou made his debut last year, and although he is a Kiwi and changed allegiances to Australia just so he could play State of Origin, he is still a great prop and will deserve his selection. Trent Merrin, along with Aaron Woods beat out Tim Grant, Tim Mannah and Willie Mason for the two free front row spots. Trent Merrin played previously for the Blues under Ricky Stuart. However he was never able to make his mark. He is currently playing better than ever and looks ready to prove his worth in the rep scene.


So here's the team:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Brett Morris
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen (c)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Aaron Woods
11. Greg Bird
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Luke Lewis

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Anthony Watmough
16. James Tamou
17. Trent Merrin

And now for my prediction. 2-1 to the Blues. Finally NSW will claim a series, at least that's what my heart says. My brain is still undecided.

-William Le Messurier-