In 1996, AFL clubs the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy Lions merged to become a stronger club – the Brisbane Lions Football Club. Prior to the merger, the two clubs had been suffering off field turmoil with a long history of poor on-field results. Five years later, in 2003, the Brisbane Lions became the first club in 46 years to claim three consecutive premierships. In 1955-56-57 when Melbourne Football Club achieved this feat there was no draft, no salary cap and no interstate travel. It is possible that the ‘three-peat’ may never again happen in the AFL and it demonstrates the on-field benefits of off-field strength in a sporting club.
The West Australian Women’s Football League is currently undergoing a period of change and growth. In the past two seasons four WAWFL clubs have merged with the men’s state level competition. Melville, Innaloo, Coastal Titans and Southern Thunder have all merged to some degree with East Fremantle, Claremont, Subiaco and Swan Districts respectively. With clubs Gosnells and Safety Bay also in the league, in 2007 there will be six teams participating in a home and away competition. The women’s competition is also strengthening in other ways. Closer links with the Sunday Football League have meant access to a female football coordinator and contributed to the development of a reserves grade with five teams from Joondalup, South Fremantle, Swan Districts, Melville and Titans.
For the Brisbane Lions, the merger translated to on-field success, which is what the women’s league is also hoping for. Three years ago, the WAWFL was unable to field a team for the national championships. The following year they sent a team but finished second last. Last year they were runners-up behind the Victorian team who have never lost a match. In the local women’s competition, the last three years have been dominated by the superior fitness of the Coastal Titans. It is a testament to the dedication and talent of this group of women that they have been able to win three premierships in their only three years in the competition and should be encouraging for anybody who is considering taking up the sport regardless of age or experience.
If on-field strength is the goal of every sporting competition, the women’s football league is progressing at interstate level. Hopefully the depth will develop in the league so that in twelve months time the Coastal Titans won’t be raging favourites for a fifth consecutive premiership!
The six league teams are already well into training ahead of the April 15th start to the season. If you’re interested in playing in 2007 phone 63802973 for details of a team near you, or visit www.wawfl.com.au
