For many avid AFL fans the choice was simple - watch as a lover of the game and even take a team under your wing... neither of those options were really for me.
It's for that reason I haven't voiced too many opinions on the league. Don't get me wrong, I think women's football is an absolutely fantastic thing and I am so proud that our sport has made it to the point where we can have a professional league for them. But it simply wasn't for me.
When North won a licence for the 2019 season it was obviously a moment of excitement and pride because the team I love would be represented in both the AFL and AFLW. There was also excitement for a great NMFC team who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes for a very long time to make this dream a reality. However, there was an element of disinterest too. AFLW hadn't done much for me previously so I don't know if it will now.
But it did. And that's why I'm sorry, AFLW.
In the week leading up to round one of 2019, I found myself reading articles and educating myself on the team running out onto North Hobart Oval. (For the record, I'm doing okay but still have a lot to learn...)
At 1pm on Sunday afternoon, my eyes were glued to the screen as I prepared for North's AFLW debut. I watched the game and was a pretty proud Shinboner at the final siren.
Football is a wonderful thing for those who follow it and love it and it was wonderful to watch our girls out there proud to represent the royal blue and white. Even better, bring home a win and go straight to the top of the table.
Jess Duffin is an absolute gem and I'm pretty sure she's my favourite player already. Ash Riddell and Emma King, too played cracking games. Emma Kearney is a fantastic leader and you can tell she felt at home, representing the club she's loved for so long and Mo Hope played with great determination and you could see her love for footy had been rejuvenated.
Don't forget these women play footy for the love of the sport. They don't do a Bernard Tomic and make the effort to play well when they feel like it because the money keeps rolling in. For them this isn't a full time job. They have amazing attitudes and play out of love and passion for the sport. That's admirable and no matter your opinions on the league, you'd be a fool to not at the very least admit that.
Truth be told I still have a few reservations.
The jumper actually shocked me when I saw it for the first time and it didn't sit well with me. Having this team marketed by Tasmania and in Tasmania as "Tassie's team" makes me feel that a pitch as "North Melbourne Kangaroos" wasn't strong enough in the first place. I assume (and hope I assume right) that this isn't the jumper we play in all season long but it's the jumper worn in Tasmania. I would not be thrilled otherwise.
Equally, it's a slap in the face for Tasmania. They are partially represented in the AFLW alongside North Melbourne but not good enough or big enough for their own side in the big league. You could argue that allowing a North Melbourne Tasmania side play AFLW is acknowledgement from the bosses that the state needs official representation however not much more is being done about it. As a North MELBOURNE supporter, the joint forces makes me uncomfortable and as someone who believes in Tasmania should have a team of its own, it appears as a bit of an insult.
But as a North Melbourne supporter, I will love and cheer for another team that's been added to our family. Sure, it was "only Carlton" who we smashed in round one, but that Carlton side has had a lot more practice than us. The girls gelled and put up a united front to make a real impact in their first AFLW outing. I'm excited about this season and the future of our club in both the AFL and AFLW.
And to the AFLW, a code that previously couldn't capture my interest, today you have captured my heart. Please accept my apology and accept me as your newest supporter.
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