Fremantle’s AFLW players Kara Antonio and Evie Gooch were out in support at Cockburn ARC on Tuesday morning as the State Government announced its Case for Change project.
The project seeks to work with the sporting industry to create more leadership opportunities for women.
With less than a third of board positions in WA sport held by women, Fremantle are setting an example with Andrea Hall, Sue Murphy and Colleen Hayward currently sitting on the club’s board.
Antonio said she feels fortunate to be part of a club that is dedicated to providing leadership opportunities for women.
‘I think it’s fantastic from the government’s point of view to drive the standards,” Antonio said.
“I’m really fortunate and lucky to be able to play for a football club that’s leading the way in that space.
“At Freo, we have three female board members, had the first AFLW licence in WA and drive the standards of females in sport and leadership roles both on and off the field.
“It’s fantastic that we can spread the word and get more organisations on board.’
Murphy spoke of the club’s pride of having diverse voices in decision-making positions at Freo.
“A club like Fremantle has always recognised that diversity is one of the key platforms that we are built on,” Murphy said.
“We are very proud to have had a women’s team since the inception of the game in the AFL and we are delighted that our board represents a diverse group of people.
“Our leadership team does the same and our members and players do, and I think it’s important that if we are going to get the best out of all of the things that sport offers to us that we have a really diverse group of people.’
Murphy also praised the work of Fremantle’s major partners Woodside and Programmed in championing the change for diversity in sport.
