The AFLVM Women’s Over-35s competition continues to grow into one of Victoria’s most vibrant and inclusive football communities, and what a year it has been! With the contact competition starting in 2018 and the non-contact competition starting in 2022, the competitions have continued to grow from strength to strength, with over 320 registered players in 2025, united by their love for footy, fitness, and friendship.
Credit: Donovan Chin Photography – Women’s Non Contact Round 5, 2025
Two Armbands. One Powerful Message:
In Round 5, our women players made a powerful statement, wearing two red armbands – one to oppose the funding cuts to the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation, and another to honour the women whose lives have been lost to gender-based violence. By uniting in this way, they sent a strong and undeniable message: violence against women has no place in our communities. When sport takes a stand, it not only raises awareness but also inspires action, proving that progress is possible when we come together. Progress matters. People matter. And sport has the power to lead the change. We stand proudly alongside our women, commending their courage, conviction, and commitment to making a difference.
Credit: Donovan Chin Photography – Women’s Over 35s Darebin v Werribee Round 5, 2025
Pride Round – Celebration of Inclusivity:
This year’s Pride Round, sponsored by Sundaylicious was a powerful highlight of the season during Round 6. Now an annual fixture since the inaugural match in 2019, Pride Round is a dedicated moment to celebrate the inclusivity of LGBTQI+ players, allies, and the entire football community. Teams adorned celebratory pride guernseys, fields were painted with pride flags, and clubs activated inclusivity experiences. The round aims to challenge discrimination, promote acceptance, and foster safe spaces through organised sport.
Pride Round has quickly become a season spotlight and a catalyst for education and conversation, ultimately encouraging all clubs to embed welcoming practices for LGBTQI+ players in matchdays, training, and local community events.
Credit: Donovan Chin Photography – Women’s Over 35s Northside v Boxhill, Round 6, 2025
NAIDOC Celebration – Northside Lions v Box Hill North:
A standout fixture this season was Round 8’s NAIDOC celebration between Northside Lions and Box Hill North, which was a vibrant showcase of culture, collaboration, and respect. The match was graced by the Federal Member for Cooper and the Mayor of Darebin City Council, Jed Kearne and Kristine Olaris, who both joined Northside and Box Hill North captains Brooke Nam and Michelle Crupi in supporting players and sharing the significance of culture connection during pre-match celebrations.
In a proud moment, Northside Lions unveiled their Indigenous guernseys for the match that reflected stories of country, identify, and resilience. The guernseys stood out as a visual representation of the club’s commitment to cultural awareness and respect. The entire day was a beautiful celebration of community and empowerment on and off the field.
Credit: Donovan Chin Photography – Women’s Over 35s Northside v Boxhill Round 8, 2025
Round 10 Gather Round @ Elgar Park:
As the final round approaches, get ready for our season-ending Women’s Gather Round on Saturday, the 16th of August at Elgar Park in Mont Albert North. This round will bring together the entire Women’s community (both contact and non-contact competitions) for a full day of footy and festival spirit. This season finale is more than footy, it’s a celebration of this year’s achievements within our women’s game, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all. See you there!
We are looking forward to an exicitng finals series, and National Carnival campaign for our Women’s Over 35s competition!
Thank you to our women’s competition partner SundayLicious, and league partners S-Trend, KickOn Group and Top-Notch Trophies for your on going support.