The Brisbane Lions last week submitted their application to be part of the 2017 National AFL Women’s League, in a bid to cement its spot as a front runner in the AFL's monumental step forward in women’s sport and equality.
The Lions application outlined the Club’s suitability as a contender and how it intends to leverage current Club structures and facilities to make dreams come true for female talent in Queensland by providing a pathway to professional football.
A key feature of the application was a Club-produced video which featured women’s football “superstar” and Queenslander, Tayla Harris.
Harris, who plays for the Zillmere Eagles and grew up playing against the likes of Ben Keays and Harris Andrews, describes how as football became more and more a part of her life, it became less of an accessible dream, unlike her male peers.
The video also featured several talented Queensland footballers including Tahlia Randall, Sally Young and Jordan Zanchetta.
The Lions application, fronted by Brisbane Lions’ recent women’s team Captain Emma Zielke, follows a successful Women’s Exhibition match at the Gabba following the Gold Coast SUNS QClash 11 in which over 2,000 spectators came to watch.
The match saw 50 of Queensland’s best female footballers including several players from the AFL Queensland Talent Academy of which a combined Queensland team was selected from the game to play Melbourne in a curtain-raiser to the Demons v Lions match at the MCG on May 22.
As part of its submission, the Lions have kicked off their women’s football campaign by advertising for a Women’s CEO, a first for the league, who will head up the female football operations at the Club in a role that will be mentored by current Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann. To view the job description and apply, click here.
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