Coaches of AFLW sides must take some responsibility to ensure the game remains attractive, says Western Bulldogs coach Paul Groves.
While crowds at the three games to date have exceeded expectations, and television ratings have been impressive, the goals have not come thick and fast. Just 23 majors were kicked in the first three games of the round, all of which consist of four 15 minute quarters, with limited time on.
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The Bulldogs stamped themselves as early premiership contenders in a 32-point win over the Dockers at Whitten Oval on Saturday night. After the match Groves was asked whether coaches needed to promote a more attractive style of game, bearing in mind that teams already play 16 a side to limit density.
Groves said that coaches needed to strike a balance. "You essentially are trying to win. But at the back of your mind there is the development side, and you've got little girls watching the game, so it has to be fairly attractive. But you also have to have the players in your team that can play that brand," Groves said.
"Some teams will go a little bit more defensive, just because a few injuries are going to creep in.
"We've just got to let it play out. It's going to be such a different comp in two years' time. It's going to be a completely different looking game style, once these girls play more and more footy at this level, it's going to be very different.
"The responsibility is just to get the girls enjoying their footy and playing and wanting to win games."
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