AFL Victoria has today announced the best VFLW players will showcase their talents in the four-team 2020 rebel VFLW Super Series to be held in September this year. 

The rebel VFLW Super Series will see 120 of the VFLW’s best footballers push their case to be selected in the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft to be held later in the year.

The rebel VFLW Super Series will see each team play three matches before an All-Stars match is played, featuring the standout players from across the series.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the rebel Super Series will ensure the next generation of AFLW players are provided with an opportunity to play football during what has been the most challenging year the game has faced.

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“We look forward to seeing the most talented players compete in the rebel VFLW Super Series and hopefully see many of those women drafted ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition. 

“In line with the variations to the men’s competition this year, the focus for both VFL and VFLW football in 2020 is to ensure talent in both leagues are provided with the best opportunity to develop as footballers and ultimately reach the elite level.

“All levels of the game across the country have been impacted by the health pandemic this year. While we would prefer to provide a standard season of women’s and men’s state league football, this outcome ensures an opportunity for many players to continue their journey in the football pathway.

AFL Victoria will provide further details in the coming weeks and will continue to work and consult closely with each VFLW club to ensure the continued progression of women’s football.

With ten of the 12 VFLW clubs affiliated to an AFL Club, the competition was unable to proceed in its traditional format. This is the same for the VFL men’s competition which will feature eight clubs due to AFL-listed players being unavailable to play in the VFL competition. The current AFL protocols permits only approved players and staff who form part of the current AFL program to attend their club venues. These players and staff undergo regular COVID-testing and must comply with the AFL’s Return to Play protocols.

The AFL remains committed to the development and progression of women’s football across all levels in the country and continues to work towards finalising the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition that will involve all 14 AFLW teams.