ARN’s iHeart Women’s Sports Network celebrates 10 years of AFLW

Making the Call's Lucy and Emma Race. Image supplied.

Advocacy group Making the Call, in partnership with ARN’s iHeart Women’s Sports Network and iHeartLIVE, has brought together the voices, storytellers and champions who have helped shape and grow the AFLW as it celebrates its tenth anniversary.

Held at Ultra Football in Melbourne last Wednesday and hosted by Brihony Dawson, the Making the Groundswell event celebrated the broadcasters, journalists, podcasters, producers, photographers, creators and commentators whose passion and commitment have ensured the AFLW is not only seen on the field, but heard, discussed and embraced by fans around the country.

The community in attendance were recognised for their contribution to women’s sport, including iHeart’s Rana Hussain and Kirby Bentley, alongside a host of other influential voices who have championed the women’s game throughout its evolution.

The evening also shone a spotlight on three storytellers – Emma Gallagher, Georgina Hibberd, and Zoe Coppinger – who all shared original short stories reflecting on the impact of the AFLW’s launch and the profound role the league has played in inspiring participation, representation and belonging over the past decade.

The event also reflected the shared mission of Making the Call and the iHeart Women’s Sports Network – to elevate women’s sport and create more space for diverse voices across the media landscape.

As part of the evening, a number of iHeartLIVE winners were invited to the event and took part in an exclusive meet and greet with AFLW’s Libby Birch, Kirby Bentley and iHeart’s Rana Hussain.

Making the Call Founders Emma and Lucy Race said “Anyone who has been in the outer at an AFLW event knows the specific feeling of collective joy that the W brings. Celebrating and honouring the voices that have not only covered the game but have helped build this beautiful community was at the heart of this event.”

Head here for more info on Making the Call.

Images supplied.