South Fremantle to enter 2020 Optus WAFLW competitionMonday, June 29, 2020 - 1:48 PM

South Fremantle Football Club has been granted a licence to compete in an expanded 2020 Optus WAFL Women’s competition commencing on July 18.

The addition of South Fremantle will see the WAFLW expand to six teams following the success of the inaugural season in 2019 with five founding teams – Claremont, East Fremantle, Peel, Subiaco and Swan Districts.

WAFC Executive Manager WAFL & Football Operations Scott Baker said it was exciting to see the WAFLW competition expanding in its second season to support the continued growth of women’s football and talent development outcomes in WA.

“We’ve seen the number of females playing football in Western Australia triple over the last six years to more than 100,000,” he said.

“This has included a 21% increase in girls Auskick numbers and 30% growth in Youth and Senior women’s footy, with 12 new women’s teams entering the Perth Football League for the 2020 season.”

“It’s really important that we continue strengthening the talent pathway for those players who want to pursue the opportunity to play at WAFLW or AFLW level.”

“The first season of WAFLW was very well received, with the players and coaches agreeing it produced a higher standard of competition with the talent concentrated into five teams.”

“With the impact of COVID-19 meaning we will have a condensed season in 2020, it makes sense to increase the WAFLW to a six-team competition, reducing the need for byes and allowing us to maximise the number of games that can be played.” 

South Fremantle Football Club CEO Cameron Britt said the club was incredibly excited by the news that its Women’s program had been granted a WAFLW licence.

“To see the iconic red V being featured in the top-tier Women’s competition in WA has long been our desire,” he said.

“This outcome has been the result of hard work and determination from many people, and we know that the inclusion of the Bulldogs will add to the growth and profile of the premier Women’s competition, in this our 120th year as a Football Club.”

The season format will see Round 1 commence alongside the WAFL on the weekend of July 18/19, with the Grand Final to be played on the weekend of September 19/20.

Full fixtures will be finalised in the coming week.