THE AFLW is banking on robust growth rather than growing pains as the expanded league starts its third season.
Geelong and North Melbourne will join the AFLW, taking the competition to 10 teams.
The league will also feature a conference system and an expanded finals format.
Speaking at Wednesday’s season launch in Melbourne, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the league is ready for expansion.
“I’m really bullish about the season ahead, from what I’m hearing in the practice games, the high scoring, the football that people are seeing,” he said.
“It gives me a level of confidence coming into this weekend that the footy is going to be really good.”
McLachlan added that the AFLW is making the changes with their eyes wide open.
“We’re obviously making assessments about the speed of growth and how we expand all the time,” he said.
“It’s not an exact science, but we’re investing in the base, the community, working with our clubs, and we’re confident we’re ready to expand.
“We’re confident that the talent is there and also that the players who’ve been in the system for a while have improved.
“It’s their third pre-season and we’re hearing it consistently from the clubs, that the skills have improved, the fitness levels are better.”
The AFLW starts on Saturday night when Geelong host Carlton at GMHBA Stadium and Adelaide play the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval.
© AAP 2019
