AFLW players will no longer wear white shorts for away games, with the League announcing an historic uniform policy change on Thursday.
From 2023, white shorts will no longer be part of clubs' on-field uniforms, breaking with a footballing tradition that saw 'away' teams wear white shorts in order to differentiate between the two teams.
The decision is designed to reduce player anxiety around menstruation in sport, and comes after extensive consultation with clubs and players, as well as research that found discomfort in uniforms to be a significant barrier for girls and women in pursuing sport at all levels.
Clubs will continue to have a set of 'home' coloured shorts to be worn in any match throughout the season, and each will now have the option to have an additional set of coloured clash shorts to be worn when necessary.
The AFL will approve uniforms each week to limit colour clashes, an extension of the pre-existing clash guernsey policy.
The AFL will also work with clubs in the event any stylistic adjustments need to be made to playing guernseys in light of the policy change.
The change in policy extends across the VFLW, Under-18 Championships and any AFL-managed women and girls talent pathways.
"This is a pinnacle moment in the AFL’s history, creating a uniform policy that reflects the modern needs of female athletes," AFL General Manager Competitions Laura Kane said.
“There has been a movement in women’s sport globally to address athlete anxieties around wearing white shorts or pants during menstrual cycles. We have listened to our players and industry experts and created a best-practice policy to ensure we are removing any participation or performance barriers."
