AFL ‘embarrassed by the NRL’ over stubborn refusal

The AFL is refusing to move an international women’s game to the Sydney Cricket Ground despite widespread criticism over the choice of venue.

Australia will take on Ireland in an historic international clash on August 1, with the game to be held at North Sydney Oval.

The capacity 9000 tickets were sold out quickly, leading to calls for the game to be moved to the SCG which could accommodate 48,000 fans.

In 2019, the AFLW grand final attracted 53,000 fans to the Adelaide Oval, suggesting there is enough appetite in the women’s game to hold an international at a large stadium.

But the AFL has refused to budge, and drew the ire of many over the weekend when a graphic was posted to social media with a list of Sydney pubs that will show the game on TV.

“To advertise a list of pubs to go to and watch it instead baffles me,” former player Lauren Arnell said.

“You’re already telling people two weeks out, you can’t come... I just feel like you’re limiting the game.”

The ABC’s panel on Offsiders on Sunday took aim at AFL House.

“When is the AFL going to start backing the women’s competition?” host Abbey Gelmi said.

“Telling them to go to pubs, honestly the way that they support the women’s program is, by and large, being embarrassed by the NRL.

“(The NRL) support the women’s program and give them a chance to be part of the big moments.”

Former NRL player Ryan Hoffman agreed the game should have been scheduled at the SCG to begin with.

There are no AFL games scheduled to be played in Sydney on the weekend of August 1, leaving the larger venues free if needed.

“I think if you’re going to do it, you go all out,” Hoffman said on Offsiders.

“You go the prestige of an international game and you put it at a prestigious ground.”

ABC journalist Marnie Vinall posted, “Feels like a massive missed opportunity to go really big here”, and many others took to social media to criticise the AFL.

AFLW boss Laura Kane issued a statement to News Corp over the weekend deflecting from the furore.

“The sellout speaks to the excitement surrounding representative football on the AFLW stage, and we can’t thank everyone who has got behind this historic clash enough,” Kane said.

“We’re thrilled by the demand and can’t wait for fans experience the atmosphere of a packed-out North Sydney Oval, but for those who missed out on tickets, the next best place to enjoy the action will be at one of our participating watch party venues.

“We’ve worked with local venues to help extend the excitement beyond North Sydney Oval and give fans another way to come together and support their team.

“We encourage fans to get along to one of the watch parties, wear their colours proudly and be part of what promises to be a special occasion.”

Kane will front media on Tuesday at the AFLW launch, ahead of the season’s first bounce on August 9.

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