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Boots are off as fans of women's football send AFL a message on pay offer

Fans of women's footy are posting photos of their shoeless feet on social media to protest the AFL's pay offer, which doesn't include players' boots. 

The #BootsOff for fair pay campaign coincides with the draft for the AFL's inaugural women's league on Wednesday.

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The majority of players have been offered $5000 for the 8-week 2017 season. And, along with no boots, they won't be provided with private health insurance like their male counterparts are.

The photos of fans in their "solidarity socks", including Greens MP Ellen Sandell, have been posted on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #BootsOff.

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"Even though I'm really excited about this historic event, the AFL's pay proposal for female footy players is terrible," a post on the campaign's event page says.

"Training to play in the AFL is a hard slog. Playing professionally requires hours of exercise, intense eating regimes and being away from other work and family.

National Union of Workers members take off their boots in solidarity with women AFL players at Etihad Stadium.
National Union of Workers members take off their boots in solidarity with women AFL players at Etihad Stadium. Photo: Justin McManus

"We have a chance to tell AFL boss Gill McLachlan he needs to increase his offer."

Six fans, including women and men who work in public relations, the environment sector and the public service, have organised the campaign under the name Fiona Fair-Pay.

One organiser, Zoe Edwards, said they were speaking out because the players couldn't.

"It's hard for them to talk openly without fear of it affecting the draft," she said.

"It's just ridiculous they don't even get boots. The simple act of taking off their shoes at work shows how silly it is."

The players association has rejected the pay offer, which also gives $10,000 for priority signings and top draft picks, and about $25,000 for marquee players.

Channel Seven's broadcast of the AFL women's all-star exhibition match between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne last month was a surprise smash hit, drawing the best ratings of any Saturday night game this year before the finals.

The figure has put pressure on the AFL for a larger pay packet. Clubs say businesses are clamouring to sponsor the eight new women's teams.

The AFL has been contacted for comment.