MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan has labelled Saturday night’s AFL Women’s All Stars Match a turning point for the game in Australia, after television ratings and crowd numbers far exceeded the AFL’s expectations.
“The AFL Women’s All Stars Match was a landmark night for our game, and we hope for women's sport in Australia,” Mr McLachlan said.
"We feel both excited and humbled by the support of the community for the women's game.
The game averaged 746,000 viewers (metropolitan and regional) and peaked at 1.05 million viewers. In Melbourne the match averaged 387,000 viewers and scored a 31.6% FTA share, winning its timeslot for all key demographics.
“These are massive TV numbers, and beyond our expectations. It is thrilling for the AFL and our women players,” Mr McLachlan said.
“The 6,365 crowd at Whitten Oval and the TV viewers watched a fast, skilful and ferocious brand of football, and the women provided a great taste of what’s to come when the national league begins in 2017.
“As I told the players in the rooms after the match, they should be immensely proud of how they have contributed to the development of women’s football over the past three years and especially their performance on Saturday night.”
Mr McLachlan thanked the AFL’s broadcast partners, and in particular Channel Seven for their faith in the game.
- Metropolitan markets averaged 543,000 viewers nationally with a peak of 714,000.
- In Melbourne, the match averaged 387,000 viewers, winning its timeslot for all key demographics.
“The ratings success is great reward for the support shown by the Seven Network to women’s football,” Mr McLachlan said.
“The decision to broadcast the match live nationally provided a great platform for these highly talented women to show the country what they are capable of.
“A number of our radio broadcast partners were also present on Saturday night, helping take the game to people all over Australia.”
“The AFL also acknowledges the work of Foxtel, who have broadcast a number of the 10 AFL women’s exhibition matches this year.”
Sabrina Frederick-Traub celebrates a goal during the 2016 Womens All Stars match between the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Demons. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Media)
