Fremantle AFL and AFLW players recently visited both Melaleuca Women’s Prison and Wooroloo Prison Farm, conducting signing sessions and umpiring football games for WA prisoners.

Six AFLW players in Madi Scanlon, Ange Stannett, Mikayla Morrison, Gabby Newton, Ebony Antonio and Gabby Biedenweg-Webster took part in umpiring a match at Melaleuca between prison teams, Deadly Divas and Djookanka (Sisters) in honour of NAIDOC Week.

A driver behind regular AFLW visits to Melaleuca, defender Madi Scanlon raved about the talent and standard shown in the game, and was pleased with the turnout.

“It was a really special week to come and play the game for NAIDOC Week – pretty windy conditions, so we weren’t sure how it would go, but the girls really showed up today,” Scanlon said.

“The standard as per usual was really high, everyone got stuck in, there was some great tackling and some hilarious moments of play, but a few goals either side and it was pretty close, but red team got the win, which was awesome.

The 23-year-old touched on how the regular visits began in collaboration with the Department of Justice, and why she is so passionate to return every time.

“Getting it started, I was very lucky knowing one of the staff here, so we teed up that initial clinic to see how it went, and once the response was really positive both from the girls and the staff, we knew it was something we could turn into a more frequent event,” Scanlon said.

“It’s been incredible – from the start I think (the visits) were something we had to build on, both from our end and their end, we had to build that trust relationship.

“I think now everyone comes in, they know what to expect, and know we’re going to provide them with lots of support and enthusiasm – they give us back exactly the same thing.

“We’re really grateful to come in frequently and we’ve seen massive skill improvements across the course of our clinics as well, which is super exciting.”

Scanlon said she hopes the visits allow the women to connect with each other, have fun, and drive them to join a team once they leave.

“Footy provides a really strong sense of community. If you can find yourself a team, you have sisters, and people you can rely on.

“To me, my team is my family, and it’s the people that are there to support you no matter what.

“It's also fun at the end of the day. The girls love it, they get stuck in, and exercise is really positive as well, so (there are) lots of benefits that can come from it, whether you’re playing at top level or at an amateur level, playing for fun.

“We hope the girls can see that from doing these clinics and drive them to join a footy team once they leave.”