AFLW 2019 Rd 1: Carlton vs North Melbourne

[Lods]

Such a disappointing game, but I'll be interested to see how other teams fare against North before determining how we actually performed. I always thought the AFL were far too generous in their recruiting allowances for the new teams. North in particular have cherry picked some very talented players, and they've had the benefit of seeing these women play for a couple of seasons first.

Our midfield is certainly still a weakness, and what disappoints me the most is that we got rid of Maddie Kerryk who got 16 disposals and 6 tackles for Geelong on Saturday...tell me we couldn't have used her in the middle on Sunday?? And even though it wasn't through choice, letting Kate Gillespie-Jones faff off to North Melbourne has already hurt us and we're one game in.  Worst part of it is that we're going to have to survive another recruiting raid this year, this time with two Melbourne metro teams, and even if we finish last, again we won't get the top draft pick. I don't see how we're going to be able to lure midfield talent in.

I think that one of the big problems at the moment in getting folks to engage with the Women's team is player movement.

Lists are very unsettled with players changing clubs.
The new teams just adds to that problem.
Until that settles down and there is stability in the lists it's hard to get the 'attachment' to the players that you get in the men's competition.
For the most part, with a few exceptions, we're engaged with the jumper but not individuals.