AFLW Rd 1: Carlton vs Collingwood at Ikon Park

[DJC]

Back in the day I used to watch SANFL and think that the skills displayed in that seemed to be superior to what was on show in the old VFL.

The reality was that the level of play in the VFL was streets ahead.
The difference was the pressure.
You had less time to execute in VFL.
Kicks and handballs were performed under greater pressure and as a result were often less 'çlean' than they were in minor leagues.
It's the same with Under 18 footballers these days.
Take the star U/18 player and pop him in an AFL side and he doesn't look anywhere near the player he was in the junior league until he gets up to speed with the game.

I suspect this is what we're seeing with the women at the moment.
They're all "9-game players" at this level of pressure.
How many "9 game AFLérs" are up to speed with the game?
Let's see what it looks like in a couple of seasons.

Good points Lods - as usual 

I think that the short season makes a huge difference to the intensity of the game and, hence, the pressure and perceived pressure.  Losing a game here or there in an AFL season doesn't mean all that much but losing a game in the AFLW could end your finals prospects. 

I still don't have TV (my son and my nephew are going to sort it next weekend) but, from what I've seen, defensive structures ruled and the pressure was intense.  That certainly would have had an impact on the skills and fluidity of the game.