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AFL, Dogs skipper settle over AFLW GF ban

Brooke Lochland (L) and Katie Brennan of the Bulldogs celebrate a goal during the round one AFLW match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Whitten Oval on February 4, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
18th April, 2018
15

Western Bulldogs AFLW skipper Katie Brennan will be able to play in round one next season after settling her differences with the league over her controversial grand-final ban.

Brennan missed the Dogs’ first women’s premiership after an appeal against a two-match suspension had been dismissed.

She took her grievance to the Australian Human Rights Commission, but that was dropped after the AFL agreed to amend the penalty system for the women’s competition.

Joint Statement from the AFL and Katie Brennan

The AFL acknowledges that the sanction regime established by the League for the women’s game differs from the men’s game. This regime was established in good faith and in consultation and agreement with the players through the AFLPA in 2016.

The AFL, Katie Brennan and the Western Bulldogs have agreed that, in the post-season review conducted by the AFL into all aspects of the AFLW season, the AFL will amend the differences in the sanctions regime to ensure AFLW players are not more likely to be suspended than men for identical conduct with identical disciplinary records.

The AFL has agreed that this change will mean that Katie Brennan will be available for selection for the first game of 2019.

The AFL thanks Katie and the Western Bulldogs for advocating for the changes, and they will be incorporated into the broader review of all aspects of the game in the coming months.

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The AFL has invited Katie to be included in the consultation process and Katie has accepted the invitation.

Katie Brennan:

“I am delighted the AFL has taken the time and responded to review and adjust the rules. I look forward to working collaboratively with the AFL, along with fellow players in the future. The decision to push for change in the rules at this vital time of development reflects the passion I have for the game and the future generations of our sport. The competition is still in its early days and that means it requires appropriate care and support for the growth and sustainability.”

“It has been a great privilege to be part of the AFLW Competition over the last two years; a league that has provided so much opportunity for women and girls of all ages to play Australia’s game. I would personally like to thank Peter Gordon and the Western Bulldogs for their exceptional support and guidance during this time. I look forward to my road to recovery and returning for round one in 2019.” Ms Brennan said.

The Human Rights commission has been notified that the matter has been resolved.

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