Posted February 27, 2017 15:59:04

Photo: Sally Riley says people were surprised at the talent and passion in women's AFL. (Supplied: afc.com.au)

This year is shaping up to be a memorable year for female athletes — depending which sport you play.

The women's AFL debut this month exceeded the standards of reception for a female sport by turning away thousands of supporters from Princes Park, after it reached its 24,500-seat capacity.

The introduction of Super League netball lifted the minimum salary for women netballers to more than double what it was formerly, with Channel Nine snapping up free-to-air broadcasting rights, helping take the game to a large audience.

Despite this surge in support, in the same weekend people gathered in Sydney to witness Australia's rugby union women's sevens team — the 2017 Olympic champions — be relegated to the training field at the rugby sevens competition.

The rise in interest in women's sport is benefiting some of the athletes, but a division between the success of competing leagues has emerged, with teams outside of AFL and netball struggling to get the same attention.

Many athletes are having to make a decision between exposure and pay on one hand, and loyalty to their sport on the other.

'I never thought women's football would get this big'

Recent recruit to the Adelaide Crows - Sally Riley - explained what it means to be a part of the rapidly changing arena and her own journey of making a choice.

"Personally, I never thought women's football would get this big, especially in my playing lifespan," said the 25-year-old recruit from the Northern Territory.

"I guess I could see a national league starting in the future but never saw it happening in 2017 and the response from the public has been huge – well beyond
what I expected," she said.

Riley said she thought people had been surprised by the talent and passion in the competition.

"We are not out there just for kicks and giggles, we are there to strive for and experience that winning feeling and to improve and perform at the highest level week-in, week-out."

After playing netball for 18 years the greater growth opportunities in the budding women's AFL competition forced Riley to quit the sport and make the tough decision to focus on football.

"I had never given football a go and with the opportunity to play at a national level while living in Darwin I knew I would regret it if I didn't put 100 per cent into getting drafted."

Expectation more money will flow to women's footy players

It is common for talented male players to be flown from the southern states to be involved in the Northern Territory Football League season.

The expenses are paid for the athletes, even those in lower divisions, and with women's football on the rise Riley expects more money will be put towards female players.

"For me at the moment, the payment is a bonus," Riley said.

"It is something that has always been a topic of discussion even at club level sport – the boys get paid to travel for local football but the girls don't get the same treatment for travelling for netball. As things evolve this will no doubt change."

'Natural talent will only get you so far'

Riley has advice for young Territorians who are coming through the sporting system – the same advice she received and embodied.

"Natural talent will only get you so far" She said.

"It is your attitude, belief, effort and character that has the power to take you to the highest level.

"Always strive to do your best even on the tough days and the rewards will come. But most of all – Have fun!"

Topics: australian-football-league, netball, rugby-7, sport, darwin-0800, australia