The AFL has announced four new teams to enter an expanded AFLW competition in 2020, with West Coast Eagles, Gold Coast Suns, Saint Kilda and Richmond Tigers named for the fourth AFLW season.
The clubs have been given the green light after receiving provisional licenses in late 2017.
They are the AFLW’s newest inclusions after meeting financial, talent development and organisational requirements.
The confirmation ensures Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney are the only AFL clubs without AFLW teams. However, they have expressed interest in joining the AFLW with the Bombers and Hawks fielding VFLW sides.
2020 is going to be HUGE! 🙌 Officially welcoming the West Coast Eagles, GC Suns, St Kilda and Richmond to the world of AFLW! 💪 Who's excited?! #AFLW #Journeyto2020 pic.twitter.com/m9RiOJGWbu
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) December 19, 2018
Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said, “The confirmation today of four new Clubs joining the AFLW competition in 2020 is yet another significant step forward and I congratulate the successful Clubs.”
“Not only is this further opportunity for the next generation of talented women to play elite Australian Football, but also one for fans of the game as we welcome more AFLW teams wearing iconic club colours.”
With an expansion to fourteen clubs AFLW will retain a seven-round home-and-away season, with the competition split into two conferences, with teams playing both within their conference and “cross over” matches outside their conference.
“The AFL Commission has had to balance the aspiration of creating the best women’s competition in Australia while maximising engagement and opportunity through our Clubs,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.
“We congratulate the four successful Clubs, but also caution all our industry that this league is still young and requires not just passion but continued hard work to build solid foundations.”
