Four Australian Defence Force (ADF) women will join the Australian Football League (AFL) as it makes history this weekend with the commencement of the AFL Women’s Competition.
When the Adelaide Crows match up against the GWS Giants on Saturday, the Army’s Heather Anderson and Rhiannon Metcalfe from Navy will be part of the inaugural Crows squad while Sydney-based Army Officer, Clare Lawton is expected to be selected for the Giants.
A third Army member, Kate Lutkins from the Brisbane Lions is likely to be picked for the squad to play on Sunday.
AFL Commissioner and ADF Australian Rules Women’s Patron, Major General (MAJGEN) Simone Wilkie said the selection of the ADF women was an outstanding achievement.
“The ADF could not be prouder of having four women compete in the first round of the AFL Women’s national competition. It is a historic moment not just for the players to compete at the elite level but also for the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.
“Our players (Heather, Clare, Rhiannon and Kate) are inspirational role models for women and girls across the nation,” MAJGEN Wilkie said.
Australian Defence Force Australian Rules Chairman, MAJGEN Matthew Hall said the selection of four ADF women highlighted the calibre of elite sport in Defence.
“The standard of competition for AFL in Defence is very high and our women’s achievements at the national level point to exciting opportunities for pursuing both a professional career and sport in the ADF.
“The AFL has taken a positive step forward in promoting women in sport and the commencement of the national women’s competition is much anticipated.
“I am also proud to be part of an organisation that promotes women and diversity in our national sport. The inclusive nature of ADF Australian Rules reflects our values and spirit,” said MAJGEN Hall.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
