Eimear Ryan: The rise of AFLW means a crisis is looming for the LGFA

One sport expects players to be entirely self-funded, while the other pays their bills. If the LGFA wants to become more than a feeder system for the AFLW, they will need to act quickly

50 UP: Cora Staunton (left) scored her 50th AFLW goal at the weekend. Pic: Michael Willson/AFL via Getty Images

Half a world away, AFLW season has started, and a record 22 Irishwomen have entered the fray across the league’s 18 teams. The AFLW now rivals the men’s league in terms of the breadth of competition, and while it is still technically semi-pro, a collective bargaining agreement ahead of the new season has ensured that all players will earn at least $39,184 (roughly €27,000), with top tier players receiving $71,935 (around €50,000). 

In its short life, the league has become fiercely competitive, with ever-increasing salaries, access to professional facilities, and All-Ireland final-level hype and media coverage around each and every fixture.