Angry footy fans slam ABC journalist for her wild statement on the AFLW’s struggles
Social media users were divided on Tuesday over a commentary published on
It comes following a recent debate about what can be done to help improve the women’s game.
Over the weekend, Channel Nine Footy Show host Tony Jones called for changes to the AFLW after the broadcaster branded several matches from the most recent round of competitions as ‘diabolical and unwatchable’.
He was referring in particular to the Western Bulldogs’ disappointing performance against Essendon in front of 400 spectators on Friday.
The Bulldogs succumbed to a disappointing 26-3 defeat at the Mission Whitten Oval on Friday evening.
The result left Tamara Hyett’s side with the unwanted record of being the first side in the AFLW to fail to score a single goal in three games over a season, having also been held goalless in their previous defeat to North Melbourne .
The Western Bulldogs were held goalless by Essendon in their AFLW match on Friday
Tony Jones (pictured) has called for changes in women’s football, calling some of the weekend’s AFLW matches ‘diabolical and almost unwatchable’
Some have questioned the fixture planning of certain matches, with Kelli Underwood saying ‘players deserve better’
Jones was one of many who spoke out during this weekend’s round of play, 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 take action and show they are honest about supporting AFLW,” he said on 3AW Mornings.
“Some of those games over the weekend – especially with the Western Bulldogs – were just diabolical and almost unwatchable.”
It comes after the AFLW saw two low-scoring rounds played in recent weeks.
On Wednesday night, the Crows and Demons combined for just 30 points, while West Coast scored just one goal in their 74-8 loss to the Hawks on Saturday.
Despite this, ABC reporter Marnie Vinall has hit back online at trolls who voiced their opinions on the issue on X (formerly Twitter), but others remained divided over her post.
ABC reporter Marnie Vinall has hit back at trolls online who voiced their opinions on the issue on X (formerly Twitter), but others remained divided over her post
Vinall wrote on
“Just to remind people once again that if you don’t watch AFLW regularly or are not actively involved in the game, we probably don’t need your opinion on how we can ‘fix’ this,” Vinall wrote.
She later added: “This is clearly not about people wanting to give their opinion in good faith because they are interested/like to watch, it’s about them just wanting to troll around the league for fun without ever watching a match have seen.’
One fan responded, writing on X, “Really? Maybe think about why so many AFL fans don’t want to see it… I think their views are probably worth listening to on what needs to change before it gets people’s attention. It is completely confusing and uninspiring.’
“Millions of Australians have played or been involved with our game. Whether they are directly involved with the AFLW is irrelevant to their ability to provide advice and expertise,” another added.
Some fans pushed back on her opinion, writing on X: ‘input is never a bad thing’
Friday’s result marked the third time this season the Western Bulldogs have been held goalless
Another social media user added: “Watching the highlights of the draft. The upcoming talent is exciting. But it will take a while. You should want some input. If it’s constructive and doesn’t degrade the game: But it’s simple: I don’t like rugby union, I don’t watch it or comment on it. But I’m allowed to have an opinion.’
‘This is literally the opposite of what market research does. If you’re trying to broaden your appeal, speak to people who aren’t currently using the product. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to do everything they suggest, but input never hurts.’
‘Then echo chambers are the best route to improvement?’ one added.
But one fan replied: ‘Have you ever thought that some people watch it for a reason and therefore have an opinion? If all companies worked on your idea, they would never make changes to a product. If it’s constructive, maybe it should be listened to! Unless the product is perfect, which I doubt.’
Vinall replied to the social media user, “Yes, 100. I’m talking about people who just want to call it unwatchable without looking at it. No people with good advice or opinions.’
Some fans agreed with the reporter, with one posting a 100 percent emoji, while another a
“I would like to see the comp administrator come out and take responsibility for the terrible matches that have had a negative impact on the comp and put players at risk due to increased injury risk,” one person wrote.
“Honest call. I say as a supporter that the AFL must learn from this week’s broadcasts and scheduling, and I hope they will.”
Some in the comments also questioned this season’s schedules. It comes after AFLW broadcaster Kelli Underwood said players “deserve better”, adding that playing in poor conditions on exposed local grounds had contributed to players suffering more injuries, poor scores and low crowd numbers.
Others supported her views, with one writing that the competition cram has had a negative impact on competition
“I think as time goes on it will become increasingly clear that October and November are not the right time [to play matches]Underwood said.
‘The players deserve better than some of these suburbs in the wind and rain.
‘Casey Fields in Cranbourne (home to Melbourne) is the windiest location you will ever go. The conditions are always challenging and that’s what I think probably contributes to these scores.’
She added that AFLW bosses needed to “show some urgency” to improve the product so it can keep up with other codes in Australia.