Women’s t Draf2015

THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS NOMINATE NOW Nomination form at womensdraft..com.au

Live-streamed from the Limelight Room APRIL 20, 2015 Etihad Stadium, Melbourne 2015

THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS NOMINATE NOW

2014 DRAFTEES SHONE HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN SECOND GAME RIVALRY The AFL will conduct the Draft and nomination process so players can be selected from across Australia and Internationally as per the Rules and The second AFL Women’s Exhibition Game was as historical as the Regulations of the Draft. As far as possible, the Draft will be live-streamed inaugural match, being the first time an AFL-sanctioned women’s to each capital city. Interstate players will be financially supported by the game had been contested “indoors” at Eithad Stadium. AFL to attend the AFL Women’s Exhibition matches, ensuring it is as close The teams were selected differently to 2013 to provide further to a true display of the best available female talent in Australia. opportunities for players to be drafted. Melbourne FC (MFC) and Western International players selected will be viewed on an individual basis. Bulldogs FC (WBFC) retained 12 of their 2013 list and delisted 13 players. The competing AFL clubs will make their selections from the AFL Draft nominations exceeded 250 with many more received from Northern Women’s Draft and host interstate players who are drafted providing Territory and NSWACT in particular. With a more rigorous selection process, a comprehensive program at their club leading up to the first AFL Women’s including live streaming of All Stars and Draft games around Australia and Exhibition Game at the MCG on May 24. some states conducting Draft testing, the AFL club coaches were able to To capture players displaying outstanding form at club or state level after make more informed decisions about their player lists. the Draft, a second mini Draft will be conducted on July 20. Both Tiah Haynes (Coastal Titans, WAWFL) was #1 Draft pick. Her joy AFL clubs will delist up to six players each, allowing original Draft nominees quickly turned to heartache. One day she was the top selection in the to have a second chance at playing in the August 16 Exhibition Game at country and six days later she was dealt the cruel blow of receiving a Etihad Stadium, should that go ahead. season-ending ACL injury. Madeline Keryk (MUFC, VIC) was then elevated from WBFC emergency to the playing list and she proved to be one of the better performers in a game where the scoreline belied the fierceness of Am I eligible for the Draft? the contest. Invitation Nicolette ‘Sissy’ Dunn (Alice Springs, NT) had played only Some players will receive a direct invitation to nominate themselves for the nine-a-side in club football. MFC head coach saw her Draft. As long as they are 17 by the date of the match, these will include but in action during NT’s live streaming of their All Stars match and saw are not restricted to: something sublime in Dunn’s performance. Sissy stepped up to be a goal scorer in the full-sided match at Etihad. uu All-Australian team members All-Australian 2014 Youth Girls (QLD), Hayley Miller uu State squad and team representatives (WAWFL) and (WAWFL) proved that stepping up to a uu State Talent Academy members more challenging women’s game was not daunting. Harris held the mark All registered club players and talented athletes of the day when she took a hang over a pack of opposition players. Her If you are registered to a club, all other interested players aged 17 by the mark went viral on social media attracting over two million ‘likes’. Miller date of the match are encouraged to nominate. These include but are not (Youth Girls joint fairest and best) showed why when she dashed off restricted to: the half-back line on numerous occasions to repel WBFC attacks. Gibson was miffed at being delisted by WBFC so when reselected by the Dees uu Women’s League players decided to show why she should have stayed a Doggie. Both her goals uu Players who have no club in their area but have played for a school team were scored uncontested from relentless running and hard work out of the uu There is provision for females who have no access to a community club Dees’ backline. near their home because of, for example, living in a remote or isolated (WAWFL) #3 in 2013 Draft was best on ground location, to nominate. in 2014 with a display of grit and tenacity. Randall proved too agile for uu International players are encouraged to nominate the Doggies defenders and capped off an outstanding forward line. Steps to get into the Draft Victorious International Cup 14 captain, Canada’s Aimee Legault, only All players are to nominate for the Draft via the online Draft Nomination gets to play AFL when the snow melts in hometown Montreal. Aimee Form found at: provided test results and video evidence to help her cause to be drafted. Though unsuccessful in 2014, her International Cup campaign will certainly 1. womensdraft.afl.com.au or get the coaches’ attention and help her selection potential in 2015. 2. Request a Nomination Form by emailing [email protected] The Hampson-Hardeman Cup is likely to be played over two games in 2015. The MCG game on May 24 will be a MFC home game with the 3. Complete the form and email back to Jan Cooper August 16 Etihad match being hosted by WBFC. Please note: You must be a minimum 17 by the match date. If you are There are two opportunities to be drafted in 2015, but only the one under 18 at the time of nominating, you should ensure a parent/guardian nomination period. With a minimum 34 places up for selection in Draft signs the form too. #1 and up to 12 in the July mini Draft, you can make your mark. Go to Once your nomination is accepted, you will receive confirmation of womensdraft.afl.com.au and complete the Draft Nomination Form the conduct of the Draft. The AFL, together with the clubs, is planning to before February 27. conduct the first Draft via live streaming, inviting players and their parents to attend in their capital city. Jan Cooper The second Draft will be conducted between the AFL clubs and posted National Manager online through aflcommunityclub.com.au/index.php?id=495. Female Football Development Any questions should be directed to Jan Cooper at the AFL via email [email protected] and headed AFL Women’s Draft 2015. 2015

THE FUTURE IS IN YOUR HANDS NOMINATE NOW

I am a member of Melbourne FC or FC or I KEY QUESTIONS support one of the clubs. Can I play for the club I barrack for or are a member of? Important information you need to know Yes! If you are a paid member of either Melbourne or Western Bulldogs and if selected it will be for the club you are a member of. If you already have a passion for one of the clubs, we will do our best to see you’re selected to If I nominated in 2014, do I have to re-nominate for 2015? play for that club. Yes. It is good practice to know current contact details of players wishing to be considered for the Draft, ascertain if there’s any retirements or players What if I am accepted for the Draft but find I cannot play from 2014 who have sustained long-term injuries. in the match? You must let the AFL and the club know immediately so they can source If I am delisted from 2014, can I nominate for 2015 Draft? a replacement player. Yes! If you are displaying good form in your local league, State Academy etc, there’s a good chance that the coaches will want you back in their team. I live in a remote part of Australia or don’t have a local club However, depending on what positions on field they need to fill, you may to play for. How do I nominate? even get picked up by a different team to that of 2014. That means that If there is no female competition close to your home, then you will be Melbourne FC may not want a small forward, for example, so it delists you. asked to seek the approval of your local Regional Development Manager Western Bulldogs FC may require a small forward and thus may relist you at (RDM) before proceeding with your nomination. This match is for the most its club. talented players. The AFL appreciates that those living in some regions (including overseas) may not have access to a player pathway, but may be If I am delisted after the first Exhibition Game, will I have talented athletes. To provide the highest level of player welfare, the AFL an opportunity to nominate for the second Draft? may seek you being sighted by an RDM to make sure you are of the high No! There will be only one nomination period. You must nominate now to flag standard required to participate in the match. You may have to be tested your intentions of being available for both games or the second match should using the same protocols that State Academies conduct so we can gauge the opportunity arise. If you don’t nominate, you won’t be considered even if for example your overall endurance, agility, sprinting, kicking and handball your form is quite outstanding during the start of season 2015. techniques. The AFL may request vision of your skills being performed under What if I don’t participate in the testing, will my Draft pressure (such as with a defender, for speed and on the non-preferred side chances diminish? of your body). Testing is only one tool that forms the overall picture of how talented and You are unlikely to be considered unless you are willing to be tested prepared for high performance football you are. If you cannot attend testing and provide vision of you in action. sessions, you should let your State Talent Manager know to see if there is I’ve never played AFL for a club but have played for my school, an alternative. so can I nominate? If I am selected at the AFL Women’s Draft, am I bound to play Yes! Nominations are welcome from athletes who are unable to play for for the club that selects me? a club because of their location. If your only opportunity to play AFL has Yes. You will not have a choice of which club you can play for once selected been through your school, then the AFL will seek the approval of your in the Draft. You cannot offer a swap with another player for example. local Regional Development Manager (RDM) before proceeding with However, the following clause applies in extenuating circumstances. your nomination to make sure you are of the high standard required to Can I trade to the other club if I have a case for Exceptional and participate in the match. Conditions apply as per the above criteria. Compelling Circumstances? I’m a registered club player in an overseas location. Am I eligible A player selected by a club or an existing club player can apply to to nominate? AFL Manager: Female Football Development at [email protected] Yes. The same conditions apply for you as per a footballer from a remote to be released and traded to the other club should: location. Although nominations from overseas players are welcome, if you uu The other club wish to accept them as a traded player do meet the criteria as outlined above and are drafted, you will need to uu The player has grounds of exceptional and compelling circumstances make your own way to the match and at your own expense. which make it harsh and unreasonable for the player to remain bound to that club. What is the minimum age for the Draft? You must be a minimum of 17 by the date of the Exhibition Game. If you are This does not guarantee that the player will be traded nor selected under 18 at the time of nominating, you should ensure a parent/guardian by the other club. The AFL Manager will convene an independent signs the form too. Tribunal to hear the player’s case. If my father played with Melbourne FC or Western Bulldogs FC, can I play for the same club? Yes. There is a father-daughter rule in place for the AFL Women’s Exhibition Game. If you are drafted, you will play for the club your father played with. Women’s t D2015raf

KEY DATES FOR THE AFL WOMEN’S DRAFT AND EXHIBITION GAMES

2014 Players delisted Hobart Check availability Thursday, January 22 – six retained players announced Perth Polly Farmer Room, Gate 6, Level 3, Retirees, long-term injured and delisted players announced Patersons Stadium, Subiaco Rd, Subiaco Draft nominations open-close Sydney AFLNSWACT Boardroom, Sheridan Building, Monday, February 2 – online Nomination Form opens Moore Park Road, Moore Park Friday, February 27 – online Nomination Form closes Draft conducted Monday, April 20 MFC v WBFC game 1 – MCG, May 24 Players must be available from May 22-24 Melbourne Limelight Room, Level D, Gate 4, Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Live-streamed to venues in each capital city: Clubs delist up to six players each – July 10 Adelaide SANFL Chairman’s Room, AAMI Stadium, Clubs draft up to six new players for Exhibition Game 2 – July 20 Turner Dve, West Lakes Brisbane Boardroom, Gate 2, , WBFC v MFC game 2 – Etihad Stadium, August 16 Vulture Street, Woollongabba Players must be available from August 14-16

Canberra Bradman Boardroom, AFL , Manuka Oval Jan Cooper Darwin AFL NT Boardroom, TIO Stadium, Abala Rd, Mararra National Manager Female Football Development