Former Adelaide Thunderbirds and ANZ Championship-winning coach Jane Woodlands-Thompson has been appointed to the AFL’s Women’s Football Advisory Group.
The appointment follows Woodlands-Thompson’s involvement in the Adelaide Football Club’s women’s football advisory committee. In March, the respected coach also joined the SA Football Commission.
Chaired by AFL Commissioner Major General Simone Wilkie, the AFL’s 10-member Women’s Advisory Group will meet quarterly to provide input in the inaugural national women’s competition which will commence in 2017.
AFL General Manager Game and Market Development Simon Lethlean said the panel will help shape recommendations for the new league.
“We feel there is a diverse mix of business leadership, coaches, players and football industry experience amongst the members to help guide our key decisions in the coming months,” he said.
“Concepts will be presented to the group and their feedback will assist in the development and operations of both the league and the continued expansion of the female football pathway.”
The Women’s Football Advisory Group will first meet on Thursday May 5.
Women’s Football Advisory Group
Major Gen Simone Wilkie – Chair and AFL Commissioner
Libby Gorr – media commentator
Debbie Lee – past player and stateswoman of female football
Susan Alberti – Western Bulldogs board member
Michelle Cowan – Melbourne Football Club assistant coach
Craig Starcevich – AFL Queensland female football talent manager
Holly Ransom – Port Adelaide Football Club board member
Jane Woodlands-Thompson – SANFL commission
Xavier Clarke – NT Thunder coach
Darcy Vescio – VFL Womens player
The AFL will launch a national women’s competition in early 2017.
Today, Friday April 29, is the deadline for AFL clubs to submit applications for a women’s team.
This year a series of women’s exhibition matches have been played featuring players who were members of state-based talent academies.
