First Women's AFL game in Canberra a success

Family and Fearlessness were the themes of Canberra’s first-ever AFLW game.

6,460 keen Canberra fans attended the match which showcased all the inaugural AFLW competition had to offer.
Five players previously under Canberra teams took to the field on the night, with ex-Canberra Capital Jess Bibby leading the way.
Her story of triumph over injury and age was broadcast at the half-time break at which GWS trailed the Western Bulldogs 13 points to 17.
Launching on the same night as Skyfire, fireworks could be seen over the edge of the stands at the beginning of the final quarter.
The match was deemed a success despite the GWS Women’s team not being able to clinch a win in front of their home crowd. The Bulldogs were too strong for the Giants, stretching their lead in the final quarter to secure a 52-10 win. Senior Manager for Events and Operations for Territory Venues & Events, Matthew Elkins, said was there a great turn-out for the match.
“Great outcome on the first match considering it was a pretty busy weekend in Canberra and it was a great atmosphere,” Elkins said.

Aus-kickers also took to the field at half-time to play on the same field as their idols. The atmosphere was made up of, on the most part, families, with children who will now grow up in a world with professional Women’s AFL.
“From a personal perspective I have a daughter who’s five who now talks about AFLW,” Elkins said.
Despite their team being handed the inaugural wooden-spoon, fans left on a high. Many stuck around to get autographs and kick the Sherrin on the ground after the match. When asked about the future of AFLW matches in the ACT, Elkins said support is certainly growing for GWS.
“I think Canberra’s definitely building behind the Giants,” he said. “The only challenge I would probably see in the future is with the success of the first year of the comp. There’ll probably be lots of areas looking to host matches.”
The AFLW season concludes this Saturday at Metricon Stadium where the Brisbane Lions will host the Adelaide Crows in the battle for the inaugural premiership cup.