AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has called for patience with the new women's league, saying it will need time to develop.
The league was launched on Wednesday morning in Melbourne, with old rivals Carlton and Collingwood to play the first game on Friday.
More Sports HQ Videos
- Video duration
- 01:55
Explainer: Women's AFL
Explainer: Women's AFL
The inaugural women's AFL competition kicks off in February. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the first bounce.
Up Next
Mignolet saves penalty as Chelsea draw at Liverpool
- Video duration
- 01:31
- Video duration
- 01:31
Mignolet saves penalty as Chelsea draw at ...
Mignolet saves penalty as Chelsea draw at Liverpool
A late penalty save by Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet held EPL leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Up Next
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
- Video duration
- 00:31
- Video duration
- 00:31
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
Barba makes shock switch to rugby
NRL star Ben Barba has signed a deal with French rugby powerhouse Toulon until the end of the season. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
Up Next
Trent Sainsbury joins Inter Milan
- Video duration
- 00:30
- Video duration
- 00:30
Trent Sainsbury joins Inter Milan
Trent Sainsbury joins Inter Milan
Socceroos defender Trent Sainsbury has completed a dream move from the Chinese Super League to Italian giants Inter Milan until the end of the 2016/17 season.
Up Next
Plays of the Week
- Video duration
- 01:45
- Video duration
- 01:45
Plays of the Week
Plays of the Week
Big alley-oops, tennis fairytales and some epic finishes slide in for this week's biggest plays from the sporting world.
Up Next
Australia fall short despite incredible 146 run Stoinis comeback
- Video duration
- 01:30
- Video duration
- 01:30
Australia fall short despite incredible ...
Australia fall short despite incredible 146 run Stoinis comeback
After a horrible collapse by Australia an amazing century from Marcus Stoinis set up a dramatic finish at Eden Park.
Up Next
Federer wins 18th Grand Slam title
- Video duration
- 01:30
- Video duration
- 01:30
Federer wins 18th Grand Slam title
Federer wins 18th Grand Slam title
Roger Federer has defeated Rafael Nadal in a five set thriller to claim his fifth Australian Open.
Up Next
Reds & Phoenix sizzle in extreme temperatures
- Video duration
- 01:29
- Video duration
- 01:29
Reds & Phoenix sizzle in extreme ...
Reds & Phoenix sizzle in extreme temperatures
Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix had to settle for a share of the points after a 2-2 draw on an afternoon where temperatures nudged 40 degrees at Coopers Stadium.
Explainer: Women's AFL
The inaugural women's AFL competition kicks off in February. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the first bounce.
"I want to be clear - this will be good for business, but, as compelling, it can be explained in two words – equality and aspiration," McLachlan said.
"It will be football as we've always known it ... but it will also be very different.
"This group of women players will create their own game.
Sue Alberti gives eight inaugural #aflw captains a good look at new look #afl premiership cup #ilikeseeingthat @theagesport @7Sport pic.twitter.com/YOh51nTQzP
— Sam Lane (@SamJaneLane) January 31, 2017
"I'd like to remind everyone this is year one ... I will ask today that we give them time and space to grow into the elite footballers that we know they can be.
"We are here for the long haul ... I can guarantee you the AFLW in three years will be vastly different to year one."
The women's league premiership cup was unveiled, with Western Bulldogs vice-president Susan Alberti named as its ambassador.
The AFL also announced there would be a best and fairest award for the new league.
The Rising Star, best afield in the grand final and leading goalkicker will also be recognised, plus there will be an All-Australian team after each season.
AAP