The AFL Commission are set to delay the trade and free agency period for the NAB AFLW competition whilst the Commission finalises details ahead of the 2018.
The Commission met last week to review the 2017 NAB AFLW season.
During the meeting, the Commission considered the arguments that introducing new teams would create new support bases and acknowledged the strong support from Clubs for expansion.
With only eight Clubs competing in the 2017 season, the Commission noted that further investment was necessary if the AFLW competition wished to magnify the momentum next year.
The Commission will consider the implications of adding additional Clubs to the AFLW competition in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the player’s sign and trade period will be postponed until expansion decisions are finalized.
AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder expressed is gratitude to AFL players, partners and fans for their support of the new league.
“The NAB AFLW enjoyed a wonderful first year and the efforts of our players and clubs were outstanding.”
“The AFL is extremely grateful for both the support of our fans and the willingness of our broadcast and commercial partners to support a key venture of our game.”
Mr Goyder said the Commission had received a detailed report of the metrics for the NAB AFLW, along with a discussion paper on potential expansion options for the competition’s future.
The key metrics for the NAB AFLW in its first year were:
- Total crowds of 198,366, averaging 6,840 per match with seven matches drawing more than 9,000 fans, including a lockout for the opening game between Carlton v Collingwood and five matches outside Victoria.
- Total free to air and subscription TV audience of 5.64 million for the 29 matches played, including 594,000 for the AFLW Grand Final between the Brisbane Lions v Adelaide Crows.
- More than 12,000,000 minutes delivered across digital delivery devices of live match streaming.
- More than 170,000 total fans and followers across social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
A decision on the specific trade and free agency period is expected in the coming week.
