Dear AFLW Members,

As Season 7 comes to a close – a too premature close in light of what some of us had dared to hope – I wanted to express my thanks, our thanks, to you.

Ever since our time in the AFLW competition began, the support that we have received from our members has been a powerful source of inspiration. This year, and particularly this season, that support has reached new heights and subsequently, so did we.

In the rooms following our Elimination Final loss last Saturday I addressed our players and staff. Attempting to see through the heavy air of bitter disappointment, I noted that this Season had held experiences the likes of which we had never known before.

For the first time, we began a season with consecutive wins.

For the first time, we dominated opposition. First against St Kilda with a 50-point win and our highest ever score, and then again against Sydney with a 75-point win and our first-ever 100-point score.

For the first time, we won 4 consecutive matches, won 7 games in a 10-game season, and beat the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, and Essendon for the first time.

For the first time, we played an Elimination Final in an 18-team competition. And during that final, we heard a roar from our home crowd louder and more passionate than ever before. A noise that emanated, no doubt, from our over 6,000 members – a membership number achieved, like everything else, for the first time in our existence. 

And the things about firsts, is that they come at the beginning. We are just beginning.

Our belief in our ability and the trajectory of improvement may have exacerbated our heartbreak on Saturday night, but it also deepens our resolve to achieve further success and unlock grander excellence in the future.

We know that we form an integral part of a great football club, as do you. We know that we are no longer merely witnessing its greatness, but contributing to it. We are emboldened and empowered to do so by your support.

We look forward to continuing to grow together in 2023.

Thank you again, and as always, go the Cats!