Statement from AFL Players’ Association GM of Player Relations Brett Murphy following the AFL’s decision to rule Canberra footballer Hannah Mouncey ineligible from the AFLW draft.
“The AFL Players’ Association has been assisting Hannah Mouncey through the draft nomination process and we will continue to support her from both legal and wellbeing perspectives.
The matter of AFLW draft eligibility for transgender athletes is complex and the AFL’s decision has the potential to impact members and prospective members of the AFLPA now and into the future.
Whilst Hannah was provided with the opportunity to discuss her application with the AFL, the AFLPA believes there should have been clear guidelines available for transgender players wishing to enter the AFLW draft this year.
No athlete should face such confusion around their eligibility for an elite competition just days out from a draft.
We have urged the AFL to prioritise the development of guidelines detailing the process and parameters for entry into the AFLW competition, so that Hannah and any other players have a clear understanding of their eligibility.”
Statement from Hannah Mouncey:
“While I am extremely disappointed with the AFL’s decision regarding my participation in tomorrow’s AFLW draft, I thank them for the genuine way in which they approached my situation.
Despite not being able to take part in the draft, the AFL has given me the all clear to play for Ainslie next year in the AFL Canberra competition for which I am very grateful and look forward to doing in 2018, before hopefully being able to nominate for next year’s draft.
I will be making no further comment at this time.”