It seems that with each passing year the Australian public becomes more and more invested in women’s sport.
For me, that’s the result of several things, including the lack of success of some of our elite men’s teams in recent times. Additionally, given some of the exceptional team and individual performances we have seen throughout 2018 from our women’s teams, it’s no wonder people want to get behind them. Add this to increased publicity, broadcast and coverage and you have a winning combination.
Reflecting on this year, here are some of my favourite women’s sports moments.
Inaugural State of Origin
Despite playing interstate matches for several years, this year the NRL had its inaugural women’s State of Origin at North Sydney Oval. I know the Blues own that night, but I always have difficulty remembering the score. Maybe it’s because the details I remember are over a million people watching in broadcast, over 9000 in attendance at North Sydney and a crowd of people that swarmed the field after the game to catch a moment with new heroes like Isabelle Kelly, Meg Ward and Ali Brigginshaw.
World T20 success
Despite how much success the Australian women’s cricket team have enjoyed in recent years, there was a distinct lack of silverware in the trophy cupboard before the ICC World T20 held in November this year. Australia defeated England in the final by eight wickets and Alyssa Healy won player of the tournament after several exceptional performances with both the bat and with the gloves.
Ellyse Perry: WBBL superstar
It may have been her best friend Alyssa Healy that shone at the World T20, but Ellyse has been in scintillating form since returning for the WBBL season this year. She scored her maiden WBBL century against the Perth Scorchers earlier in the summer and then backed it up with another against the Brisbane Heat a few matches later. It has led plenty to question why she was batting as low as seventh during the World T20 tournament (perhaps this indicates the depth of Australia’s batting line up).
NRLW
What a year for women’s rugby league. The State of Origin was just the beginning with the inaugural women’s competition beginning in September. The Brisbane Broncos, led by their outstanding skipper, Ali Brigginshaw, were crowned premiers, but most pleasing was the quality of every single game played and the emergence of some new talent, including the likes of Julia Robinson, Hannah Southwell, Holli Wheeler and Amber Pilley.
Wallaroos and Wallabies take centre stage
This year saw Rugby Australia demonstrate increased support for our women’s XV team, the Australian Wallaroos. In August this year the Wallaroos played a match against the Kiwi Black Ferns in a double-header event with the Wallabies. This was the first time that the two teams had played a double header on Australian soil and it was also the Wallaroos’ 50th test match. I hope to see continued support for the Wallaroos in Australia despite Rugby Australia losing a bid earlier this year to host the next Women’s World Cup.
Our golden Fox
Already much loved in Australia, this was the year Jessica Fox became the most successful female paddler in history after she won two world crowns in October at the canoe slalom world championships in Buenos Aires. With those wins, Jess now has nine world titles, which incredible eclipses her mum, Myriam Fox-Jerusalmi, as the most successful female canoe slalom paddler. I have a feeling she isn’t done yet either.
Matildas qualify for the World Cup
They are known as one of Australia’s most well-loved teams, and Sam Kerr is one of the best footballers in the world. While some will be disappointed that the team lost to Japan at the Women’s Asian Cup this year, in that tournament the Matildas secured their spot for the 2019 World Cup in France. I’m certain that Alen Stajic and the squad have their eyes firmly locked on this tournament, and that excitement will continue to build as we get closer.
Surfing sensation Stephanie Gilmore
Stephanie Gilmore will always be remembered as one of the world’s best-ever surfers after her continued success this year, including a seventh world title. This saw her draw equal with Australian surfing legend Layne Beachley.
Melissa Perrine claims bronze
Some of you may not have heard of Melissa Perrine. Melissa is a para-alpine skier, and this year she won her first-ever Paralympic medal after three games. Mel and her sighted guide, Christian Gieger, won bronze in the vision impaired super-combined at the Winter Paralympic Games earlier this year. Incredibly she then went on to win a second bronze medal in the giant slalom race.
Liz Cambage breaks WNBA record
Incredibly, earlier this season, Liz Cambage made WNBA history when she scored an all-time record 53 points in one game to lead the Dallas Wings to a 104-87 point win over the New York Liberty. Unbelievably, the most recent NBA player to post 50 points or more was Michael Jordan back in 1996.
With 2019 set to be another big year, with the continuation of the Super W, the AFLW, WBBL, WNBA, NRLW and W-League, I’m still confident that when it comes to women’s sport, the best is yet to come.
IAP
Guest
Are you talking about the W League? The standard of that comp is a joke. They can't even complete 5 metres passes without putting the ball over the side line.
Mungo
Guest
The AFLW that draws big crowds (albeit free entry)
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
Actually I disagree, have you watched the woman’s soccer , it’s very impressive both league and national, agree on the other codes though , so I don’t disagree Baaaaaaa
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
Yeah ,,, I did aie
Cat
Roar Guru
"... personal attacks on individuals whilst your hiding behind your “handle “ are low acts of a coward " That is exactly what you have done.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
So if you don’t feel guilty why are you wasting your time ? Can you read what I posted ? What’s the first word Cat ? Your guilty that’s why your pressing , “like many on these public forums” Go and watch reruns of Gary , I’m sure it will put a smile back on your face
Toolie24
Guest
Womens sports such as football, RL and AFL, can we face facts its like watching U15's boys playing that code. None of these comps can fund themselves and are proped up by the mens game. The publicity these womens comps receive is massively over the top for what they deserve. The only sport that deserve praise is netball national comp
Cat
Roar Guru
Absolutely nothing to feel guilty for. I have not spoken any untruths. I noticed you are unable to provide a quote of this 'personal attack' you have alleged to have occurred.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
Generalisation of forums Cat , you know very well how it “works” it’s easy to find faults with public figures and sports people alike , easy for key board tough guys hiding behind handles to judge , you feel guilty ?
Cat
Roar Guru
Please quote this alleged ‘personal attack’. The only actual personal attacks are your name calling.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
Opinions are fine personal attacks on individuals whilst your hiding behind your “handle “ are low acts of a coward
Slane
Guest
Ahhh, so we are allowed to have opinions, we just shouldn't share them on a medium that you've dismissed as rubbish. I can see why you are so riled up.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
My point exactly Slane “welcome to the internet “ cowards castle ps, if you don’t like the music change the channel If you don’t like the politics vote accordingly If you seen a dud film that’s life
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
AFLW?
Slane
Guest
Welcome to the internet, old-timer. Slander would have to involve some kind of lie. Cyborg did fight in lesser competitions and did fail drug tests. No lies there. It would likewise be unnecessary to slander any politicians in Australia as the truth casts a light that is even less favourable than any lie could be.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
Have guts and use your real name maybe even leave a contact. You wouldn’t have the guts to name a politician, and slander them the way atheletes are on some of these forums
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
I know how good was that, Nunes could easily be the athlete of the year.
Slane
Guest
What makes athletes so special, AngryEagle47? I've never been in charge of a country, I shouldn't criticize politicians. I've never been in a band, I shouldn't criticize music on the radio. I've never made a movie, I shouldn't have an opinion on the cinema.
AngryEagle47
Roar Rookie
So your admitting to achieving nothing at any level of sport yet you find it somehow empowering to critique others from the safety of your handle and privacy of your laptop ! I won’t and never ever will criticise any athlete not on any public forum,
Cat
Roar Guru
My sporting achievements or lack of is nothing but a hollow straw man argument. Cyborgs record speaks for itself. Go look at the no names in it. Look at the 3rd tier and worse competitions (Storm Samurai, EliteXC, Strikeforce and Invicta ... it's like hyping up an Aussie rules player because he dominated the local bush league) where they came from. Go look at the documented history of her testing positive for steroids. I'm not making this stuff up. You can open both your eyes and look for yourself instead of buying into the hype machine that built her up on the back of beating up nobodies in nothing comps.