Disappointment and Frustration Among VFLW Players
Players from Port Melbourne’s VFLW (Victorian Football League Women’s) squad are feeling deeply disappointed and angry after being informed they won’t receive any payment for the 2025 season. This decision was made during a meeting with the club’s CEO and two board members, who confirmed that the funding previously allocated to the women’s program has been terminated. Similarly, Essendon players in the same competition were recently told that their previous match payments of $70 would no longer be available, leaving them to play purely for the love of the game. "We are pretty flat, a bit angry and frustrated," one Bombers player shared with ABC Sport. The players’ disappointment is compounded by the fact that they expected a proportional reduction in the men’s pay if their own payments were to be cut. However, they were informed that the men’s pay would remain untouched.
The Decision’s Impact
Port Melbourne’s VFLW team, which triumphed in the 2023 grand final, may face significant challenges in the upcoming 2025 season. The absence of game day payments could demoralize the players and potentially impact their performance and commitment to the sport. One player expressed feeling undervalued, highlighting the broader issue of gender inequality in sports funding. The men’s side, on the other hand, has recently signed former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell on a two-year contract for the 2025 and 2026 seasons in a dual role as player and community ambassador. Additionally, Bombers great James Hird is working at the club in a director of coaching role. This stark contrast in investment and support is a source of deep frustration for the women’s team.
Resource Allocation Concerns
The players’ dissatisfaction extends beyond just the lack of financial compensation. One physiotherapist is reportedly responsible for overseeing 45 players from the women’s squad, raising concerns about the quality of care and support provided. The team also trained at Lagoon Reserve, a suburban dog park, this week, which underscores the inadequate resources allocated to the women’s program. "If they [club] could show that they were putting our pay into our program and our resources, I think we would be more OK with it," another player stated. However, the reality is that the program’s quality has declined from the previous year, further exacerbating their frustration. It is disheartening to see the regression in the women’s VFLW competition, especially after the progress made in recent years.
A Brief History of VFLW Funding
In 2018, Hawthorn became the first club to pay VFLW players in the state-wide competition. This move was part of the club’s efforts to secure an AFLW (Australian Football League Women’s) license, which was granted ahead of the 2022 season. At the time, then Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett acknowledged that the players "won’t become millionaires overnight" but emphasized the importance of compensating them for their time and effort. This decision was a significant step forward in recognizing the value of women’s football and setting a precedent for other clubs to follow. The recent cuts in funding and support, however, represent a major setback in the ongoing struggle for equality in the sport.
The Broader Context
The situation at Port Melbourne and Essendon is not isolated but reflects a broader trend in women’s sports, where funding and resources often lag behind those allocated to men’s teams. The decision to cut pay and reduce resources sends a clear message that women’s football is still not being treated with the same level of importance and respect as its male counterpart. This disparity not only affects the players’ morale and performance but also hinders the development and growth of women’s football at a critical juncture. It is essential for clubs, leagues, and governing bodies to invest in women’s programs to ensure they receive the support they deserve and to foster a more inclusive and equitable sporting environment.
Moving Forward
Despite the current challenges, the players remain committed to the sport and are advocating for change. They are calling for greater transparency and accountability from their clubs, as well as a more equitable distribution of resources. The players’ resilience and dedication to their craft are commendable, and their voices are crucial in driving the necessary reforms in women’s football. It is hoped that the recent controversy will spark a larger conversation about the importance of supporting women’s sports and lead to a more balanced and fair approach to funding and resource allocation. The future of women’s football in the VFLW and beyond depends on the collective efforts of players, clubs, and the wider community to address these issues and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes.
