The Adelaide Crows' 2019 AFLW Premiership side. Picture: afc.com.au
The AFL Women’s competition continues to grow, with membership soaring to new heights in 2021.
To date in 2021, 23,666 people have signed on as AFLW members, up from 20,849 in 2020.
11 clubs (Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda, and Western Bulldogs) have all seen record memberships.
Fans have responded well to a more attacking, free flowing game, with data showing stoppages are down to 53.3 per game in 2021 compared to 57.9 in 2020. In addition, ball ups are down five per game, boundary throw ins are down 4.5 per game and tackling is down 6.5 per game.
Scoring is also up a full three points from this time last year, and round six matches averaged 43.1 points per game.
To top off the strong wide-reaching growth, TV ratings for AFLW are up three per cent year on year for per game average audience, including Foxtel per game average audience up 6 per cent through Rounds 1-6.
And, in addition to that, digital consumption also remains strong, with 1.1million digital users engaging on AFLW platforms – an increase of 15 per cent compared to this time last season.
AFL General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the strong growth has been fantastic.
“To see football fans from across the country show their support for the NAB AFLW competition and get behind their teams, whether that be through club membership, attendance at games or tuning in at home, thanks to the continued support of our broadcast partners, Seven, Fox and Telstra,” she said.
“The athleticism and skills from both our experienced players and emerging talent are continuing to deliver high quality football for everyone to enjoy.
“We’re excited to see this energy for female football continue in the lead up to the 2021 NAB AFLW Finals Series.”
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