The AFLW’s Condensed Fixture Fiasco: A Recipe for Disaster
As the dust settles on the month-long AFLW fixture, one thing is clear: the experiment has failed. The league’s attempt to cram 11 games into a condensed schedule, with four weeks of finals, has resulted in a messy, exhausting, and demoralizing experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.
A Fixture That Forgot the Players
The Western Bulldogs’ dismal performance, failing to kick a goal in Rounds 6 and 7, was just the tip of the iceberg. The real issue lies in the impossible task handed to teams: playing four games in just over two weeks, with part-time players and coaching staff, and interstate travel thrown into the mix. It’s a wonder anyone had the energy to take the field.
A Chorus of Disapproval
Former All-Australian player Kate McCarthy summed it up best: “Please AFL, just come out and say we will never have a fixture like this again…” Her sentiment was echoed by former Bulldogs coach Nathan Burke, who called for those in charge to be held accountable and for the league to prioritize football expertise. CODE Sports’ Eliza Reilly, Lauren Wood of the Herald Sun, and many others joined the chorus of disapproval, citing the negative impact on player performance, fan engagement, and the overall quality of the game.
The Silence is Deafening
What’s most striking is the AFL’s complete lack of response to the widespread criticism. In a time of trial and error, the league’s refusal to acknowledge the mistakes and promise change is deeply frustrating. As an avid fan of the league, it’s disheartening to see the conversations dominated by the fixture’s failures, rather than celebrating the diversity and inclusion that AFLW embodies.
The Human Cost
The toll on players’ bodies and minds cannot be overstated. With multiple games in a short span, there’s no time for rehabilitation, game analysis, or recovery. The 2023 All-Australian side has already seen five players sidelined with injuries, exacerbated by the frantic pace of the condensed fixture. It’s a stark reminder that the pursuit of an extra game should not come at the expense of player welfare.
Two Schools of Thought, But One Clear Answer
There are those who argue that an extra game is a victory, regardless of the cost. Others believe that sacrificing the integrity of the game is too high a price to pay. But one voice is conspicuously absent: that of the AFL decision-makers. Their silence speaks volumes, and it’s time for them to take responsibility and commit to a better future for the AFLW.
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