‘I think we should do it': AFLW captains push for Origin series in quest for more games, viewers

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

Molloy wants more footy and more chances to put the game's elite players in the spotlight, and has long wanted the All-Australian side to play together each year.
'I'm lucky to have a couple of All-Australian blazers and I think to myself, God, I'd love to see this team play,' Molloy said.
'I don't know where we play or who we play against, but I always thought to myself that it would be intriguing.
'We've seen so many exciting formats in the men's game, we've seen Origin in the past [in AFLW] and I'd love it. I'd absolutely love it.
'Any way we can showcase talent and put them all together – I'd love to see it in any format.'
Some captains also expressed interest in an Australia v Ireland series between AFLW and Gaelic football stars, given the influx of Irish talent.
But whatever the format, it must be a good product.
'We need to make sure it is something people want to watch and really build it up,' Crows captain Sarah Allan said.
The teams
If State of Origin were to return, Molloy believed the teams should be decided based on where a player's club is located, not where they were raised.
But there is still strong state allegiance from those who would don an Allies jumper. Collingwood skipper Ruby Schleicher was already picking her WA side mid-interview – Ebony Antonio and Emma Swanson were among her selections – and hatching a plan to claim Chelsea Randall from South Australia's clutches.
'It would be great to get the old gang back together of people we used to play against in the WAFL,' Schleicher said.
'There is that state pride, there is nothing like putting your own colours on. But whatever it looks like, I'll put my hand up.'
Carlton captain Abbie McKay said she would jump at the chance to play for Victoria or Australia.
'It would be awesome,' McKay said.
'I played one year for Vic Metro [at under-18 level] and it would be an honour to do it again.'
Queensland could also field a strong side considering Brisbane Lions are a perennial contender and the Gold Coast are producing a host of talented players.
'There is that much talent that Queensland could have our own team – I'd probably say Queensland, South Australia and Victoria could all give it a red-hot crack,' Hawthorn captain Emily Bates said.
The standard
The AFLW played a State of Origin game in September 2017, when a Debbie Lee-coached Victoria thumped the Allies by 97 points at Marvel Stadium. Daisy Pearce, Ellie Blackburn and Jasmine Garner were among the stars for the Vics.
Schleicher was adamant such a result wouldn't be repeated.
'Hey, hey, hey, you are talking to a WA girl here – of course not,' Schleicher exclaimed.
Bates was a part of the Allies team in 2017.
'We got absolutely pumped, so that wasn't a great memory,' she recalled. 'But I think it would be great for the game and showcase the best talent available, I'm keen to see it happen again.'
Richmond captain Katie Brennan was also on that Allies side and said the talent is far better than in 2017.
'The talent from all the different states is extraordinary now,' Bates said.
'I'm a Queenslander, born and bred, and that talent pathway has gone from strength to strength. There would be more competitive balance out there and it would be an awesome sight to see.'
Molloy was more pragmatic about the format.
'The under-18s is where we display our state talent. I would take a more holistic view and have the Allies playing Victoria as Victoria is like the footy capital,' she said.
The timing
The league's continued expansion is written into the CBA – with the current 18-team competition only playing for 12 rounds plus finals.
While Origin would be a way to get more games in the calendar, the same issues that plague discussions of the return of the competition for the men's game would be problematic for the women.
Playing a series on the eve of the season could see star players injured ahead of their club campaigns; playing at the end or in the off-season would interrupt their breaks.
Playing representative football in the middle of the regular season – for example, making the game a showcase event on AFL grand final day or eve – is also likely to be unpopular with clubs.
'The only trouble [in 2017] was the injuries that came from the game, so that would be a risk. But I think we should do it,' Bates said.
'Timing is tricky. Girls often travel in the off-season and whatnot, I think the perfect time would be straight after the season when you still have your match fitness.'
Molloy ruled out a mid-season Origin.
'I don't think fixturing it during the season is appropriate. We want to win the premiership, every team wants to win the premiership, so you don't want to take away from that journey.'