Social media users were left divided on Tuesday over a comment posted on X by an ABC journalist that questioned the opinions of some who had offered their views on the AFLW’s recent struggles.
It comes after a recent debate about what can be done to help improve women’s football.
Over the weekend, Channel Nine Footy Show presenter Tony Jones called for changes to be made to the AFLW, after the broadcaster branded several games from the most recent round “diabolical and unwatchable”.
He referred in particular to the Western Bulldogs’ disappointing performance against Essendon on Friday in front of 400 spectators.
The Bulldogs succumbed to a disappointing 26-3 loss at Mission Whitten Oval on Friday night.
The result saw Tamara Hyett’s side earn the unwanted record of being the first AFLW team to fail to score a single goal in three games over a season, having been held goalless in their previous loss to North Melbourne.
Essendon held the Western Bulldogs goalless in their AFLW clash on Friday
Tony Jones (pictured) has called for changes to women’s football, calling some AFLW matches over the weekend “diabolical and almost unwatchable”.
Some have questioned the scheduling of certain games, with Kelli Underwood saying that “the players deserve better.”
Jones was one of several who spoke at this weekend’s round of matches, claiming the AFLW was at a “crisis point” and urging the AFL to step in to help.
“The AFL is at a crisis point – they need to act and show they are fair in supporting the AFLW,” he said on 3AW Mornings.
“Some of those games over the weekend, certainly with the Western Bulldogs, have been just diabolical and almost unwatchable.”
It comes after the AFLW has seen two low-scoring rounds in recent weeks.
On Wednesday night, the Ravens and Demons scored just 30 points between them, while West Coast only scored one goal during their 74-8 loss to the Hawks on Saturday.
Despite that, ABC reporter Marnie Vinall responded to online trolls who offered their opinions on the matter on X (formerly Twitter), but others were left divided over her post.
ABC reporter Marnie Vinall responded to online trolls who offered their opinions on the matter on X (formerly Twitter), but others were left divided over her post.
Vinall wrote on
“Once again, we remind people that if you don’t watch AFLW regularly or actively participate in the game, we probably don’t need your input on how to ‘fix’ it,” Vinall wrote.
He later added: “Obviously this isn’t about people who want to give opinions in good faith because they’re interested or would like to watch, it’s about people who just want to troll the league for fun without even watching a game.”
One fan responded by writing on X: ‘Really? Maybe reflect on why so many AFL fans don’t want to see it… I think your opinions are probably worth hearing about what needs to change to get people’s attention. It’s completely unwatchable and boring.’
“Millions of Australians have played or been involved in our game, whether they are directly involved with the AFLW is irrelevant to them being able to provide advice and expertise,” another added.
Some fans responded to his point of view by writing in X: “Entrance is never a bad thing.”
Friday’s result was the third time this season the Western Bulldogs were held scoreless.
Another social media user added: ‘I watch the draft highlights. The talent that is coming is exciting. But it’s going to take a while. You should want some input. If it is constructive and does not degrade the game: But it’s simple, I don’t like rugby, I don’t watch it or comment on it. But I’m allowed to give my opinion.
‘This is literally the opposite of what market research does. If you’re trying to broaden your appeal, talk to people who don’t currently consume the product. Of course, that doesn’t mean doing everything they suggest, but input is never bad.’
—So, echo chambers are the best path to improvement? one added.
But one fan responded saying: ‘Have you ever thought that some people don’t watch it for a reason and therefore have an opinion?’ If every company worked on their idea, they would never make changes to a product. If it’s constructive, maybe it should be heard too! Unless the product is perfect, which I doubt it will be.
Vinall responded to the social media user: “Yes, 100. I mean people who just want to say it can’t be seen without even seeing it.” Not people with good faith advice or opinions.
Some fans agreed with the reporter, one posted a 100 percent emoji, while another added a
“I would like to see the competition administrator come out and take responsibility for the horrible matches that have had a negative impact on the competition and compromised players through increased risk of injury,” one wrote.
‘Fair decision. As a supporter, I say the AFL needs to learn from this week’s broadcasts and programming, and I hope they do.
Some in the comments also questioned this season’s game schedule. It comes after AFLW broadcaster Kelli Underwood said players “deserve better”, adding that playing in poor conditions on exposed local pitches had contributed to players suffering more injuries, poor scores and a poor number of spectators.
Others supported his opinion, with one writing that the excess of matches has had a negative impact on the competition.
“I think as time goes on, it will become more and more obvious that October and November are not the right time (to play games),” Underwood said.
‘The players deserve better than some of these suburban fields in the wind and rain.
‘Casey Fields in Cranbourne (Melbourne’s homeland) is the windiest place you’ve ever been. The conditions are always challenging and that’s what I think probably contributes to these scores.”
He added AFLW bosses needed to “show some urgency” to improve the product so it can keep up with other codes in Australia.
