Players demand review of women’s matches, comments Kerryn Peterson

Players’ frustration over the AFLW’s congested competition schedule has brought the sport back into the spotlight as calls for a review of the match grow louder.

The 2024 schedule will see clubs play 11 games over 10 weeks, with the league honoring their proposal to add games to the AFLW calendar.

The formula used to account for the extra match forced clubs to play two games a week between the fourth and seventh rounds, creating a “strain on players and clubs”.

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Although rest periods between each game lasted between four and five days, some clubs played four matches in 14 days, a requirement that led many to lament the lower quality of football played.

Many clubs have had to contend with injuries as players remain sidelined due to fatigue, while others have had limited time to train and regroup.

Carlton captain Kerryn Peterson is the latest player to join calls for a schedule overhaul, saying she doesn’t think the issue will be resolved immediately.

“I don’t think a compact fixture is the best option,” Peterson told The Age..

“I think it puts a lot of pressure on the players and the clubs because they need to be able to play their best football throughout this time.

“I think what’s really important is that the fans get to see some really great football.”

Peterson was unsure of what changes could be made to the season, but remained confident the AFL would make the “right decision” to look after the welfare of players.

The 32-year-old’s comments follow those of Melbourne coach Mick Stineer, who called on sporting directors to conduct a “thorough review” of the current fixture ahead of the 2025 season.

“I would like to see this looked at and just see the impact of everything,” he said.

“Were there any injuries as a result of this? Was there unnecessary stress from condensing shorter lists?”

With short breaks between matches, North Melbourne lost captain Emma Kearney to a hamstring injury, which she suffered just minutes into her third match in nine days.

Essendon captain Stephanie Kane has called for the schedule not to be repeated in 2025 as her side suffered a record defeat after winning four in a row.

The club suffered a grueling 51-point defeat to North Melbourne, where Essendon managed just 1.1 (7).

“I think (the shortened match) has some advantages, but in some cases… we played four games in 14 days, so it has its disadvantages,” Kane said.

“We saw a lot of players who were injured – it takes a lot of energy to play that kind of football, not to mention the mental load.”

“We’re still playing sports part-time, so trying to do it all plus training plus having outside interests is really challenging.”