Call to arms: AFLW Finale 2024
When it was announced that there would be a women’s competition in the AFL, I was genuinely stoked for the better half of the footy population, footy lovers in general, and for those who simply appreciate women in sport.
I was equally not-stoked when the Saints were overlooked for the inaugural season. However, as we were still operating out of Seaford, I could understand why. When the Saints were overlooked again in 2019, I was pissed, though when listening to the radio in the car, that announcer said we would be there in 2020. My reaction to this news was similar to hearing about the Josh Battle compensation, I tooted the car horn and shouted, ‘fuck yeah, Saints footy!’ I’m glad I wasn’t driving when the news came through that we’d locked in Jesse Wardlaw, because I probably would have gone off the road!
Since the birth of the St Kilda women’s team, it has been fascinating to follow their development. As players were announced, I gave their socials a follow. What stood out immediately, was that these girls had that much personality it was spilling out of their pockets. No offence to the boys, but the girls had them covered in spades. By the time we had a full team, I felt like I knew the girls as well as any supporter could.
Through my involvement with The Angels, I was lucky enough to help with the meals after training on a Thursday night. This allowed me a firsthand look at the newest team on Linton St, and I was not disappointed. I was struck by a) the fun culture that developed organically, created in such a short timeframe and b) how they seemed truly chuffed to be playing for the Saints. Fast forward to now, both points have not only remained true and consistent, but they have also formed the pillars of our AFLW program.
Sadly, I do not feel that this love and enthusiasm has been returned by our broader St Kilda supporter base. I know this is unfortunately emblematic of the AFL community, but I honestly thought us Sainters would do it better.
As an example, the crew in Aisle 29 get around 50 supporters each week at Marvel. For the girls though, even for games at Moorabbin, we are lucky if five of us show up. I’ve missed about three games since we came into the competition, and I don’t mean this as a flex, Rather, I feel that I’m as well qualified as any Sainter out there to share my AFLW matchday experience, and I hope that this message reaches the hearts of those Sainters who have yet to give the girls a fair go. With that all said, here’s 10 reasons why Saints fans should get there for our last game:
The Saints you meet: Moorabbin is not confined in the same way as games at Marvel, you’re essentially a free range chicken at Linton St. I’m stoked to say that by going to the AFLW, I’ve made at least 10 good Saints mates and met plenty of other good eggs along the way. Everyone is truly welcome at the AFLW, and I think this helps more than most would know. This would not be the case if it weren’t for the girls.
It’s the vibe: The Marvel matchday experience has nothing on what we put out in Moorabbin (St Kilda won the award for best AFLW matchday experiences last year). It’s as if a festival, fete, and footy got together to say three is the magic number.
Good for kids: Not only are there loads of activities to keep the little ones occupied, but the positive influence of seeing women at the top of the footy tree is great for young girls and boys alike. Footy is a great vehicle for driving respect and equalisation, and the women do it just as well, if not better, than the men.
Good for men: See the previous point, sans the activities and that. Don’t let that stop you from jumping on the Ferris Wheel though.
Wallet friendly: Adult tickets are affordable, and it’s free for kids to attend. Around the ground, there is loads of free stuff going on. It’s impossible to be bored.
Saintly Sessions: To be able to have a can on the hills of Moorabbin is something that just feels like you’re meant to do. So, for the big kids out there who enjoy a cold one in front of the footy, this is you. It’s what your fathers and grandfathers did back in the day, so you can keep the tradition going.
An easy outing: The whole affair is just easy. There is always a park somewhere nearby and plenty of space inside the ground. The duration of the event is also a bonus. A men’s game is a near 5 hour event whereas for the women, it’s probably a 3 hour event all up.
Front row tickets: There’s not a bad seat in the house – there’s hardly any to be fair. So, whether you want to kick back on a picnic rug or get right up on the fence and close to the action, the adventure is yours to choose.
FOOTY: In between all the socialising and play there is a game of footy to be consumed! There is nothing better than when the play comes right up close to where you’re positioned so much like the previous point, not a bad seat at all.
Yeah, the Girls: The engagement and time they give to the fans after a game (or any other time really) is simply amazing. Our girls respect the jumper that they’re wearing and it’s no more apparent than moments like these.
Our best turnout for the girls this year has been just over 3,000, but if we can get 10,000 to Moorabbin for a men’s match simulation in February, then us Sainters don’t want a Solo, we want a Lift! Help us break our crowd record for this season by giving it a go, by bringing your mate and bloody dragging them if you have to – you won’t regret it.
If you’ve made it this far in the read then I thank you, you’re a proper Saint in my books.
Up the Farkin’ Sainters!
