Kate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

After the weekend, some may remark that footy is back. Whilst we enjoyed a great game, seeing the Crows beat GWS yesterday, of course footy has been back since February this year, when Australians got to see the first match of the inaugural AFL Women's league with that sell-out and lockout game in Melbourne. We have seen a huge success, and I want to stand here today and congratulate the AFL and all of those in the AFL Women's league, who have worked so hard to make this not just a reality but an overwhelming success.

I stand here today happy to admit that I used to be embarrassed to confess that my childhood dream was to grow up and play the sport that I loved, footy, for the team that I loved. Of course, I realise that that was not possible, but it is so nice to think that there are generations of young girls and women who are growing up today knowing that that is indeed a reality and something where they can look to their heroes and aspire to be just like them.

Speaking of heroes, of course, it was the grand final of the AFL Women's league on the weekend, and I am happy to report that the mighty Adelaide Crows have gone down in the history books as the first winners of the premiership cup. I would like to congratulate their absolute champion coach, Bec Goddard, and their co-captains, Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall, who today have been awarded the MVP and most courageous player awards. I thank them for their tremendous efforts in this historic achievement.