History was made in women’s football and by the Western Bulldogs last week.
The AFL unveiled the eight teams that will form the inaugural national women’s league.
After putting so much work into the growth of women’s football in recent seasons, the Bulldogs were officially granted a licence.
The Bulldogs will be one of four Victorian clubs in the competition, joining Melbourne, Carlton and Collingwood. There will also be four interstate teams – Adelaide, Brisbane Lions, Fremantle and GWS Giants.
Bulldogs chief executive officer David Stevenson said the announcement was a significant milestone for the AFL and his club.
“We are genuinely thrilled to be part of the inaugural women’s competition, for the club, for our fans, but mostly for the young women who now can realise their dreams of being professional footballers,” Stevenson said.
The inaugural national women’s league will feature six home-and-away rounds, semi-finals and a grand final before the players filter back to their local clubs.
In other news, Chris Grant has been appointed director of football at the Western Bulldogs.
Grant, 43, a three-time All Australian and two-time club best-and-fairest over 341 games, will oversee rapid growth in the club’s football department.
“Chris’ appointment acknowledges the evolving football landscape and puts us in a strong position to deliver an elite performance environment for all three teams going forward,” Stevenson said.
In the VFL, Footscray produced a stunning comeback to beat Frankston by 10 points at Frankston Oval.
The Bulldogs kicked eight goals to two in the last quarter to overcome a 30-point three-quarter time deficit.
Lukas Webb was best-on-ground for the Bulldogs for a second time in three weeks.
Tom Boyd and Joel Hamling kicked three goals apiece.
Footscray moved into the top four, but that position will come under immediate threat through the team having the bye this weekend.
