AFLPA Criticises AFL's Hannah Mouncey Decision

The AFL Players' Association has criticised the decision to prevent transgender athlete Hannah Mouncey from entering the AFLW draft.

The statement from the AFLPA's GM of player relations Brett Murphy says "no athlete should face such confusion around their eligibility" and called for the AFL to create clear parameters and guidelines for future situations such as these.

They wrote that they will continue to support Mouncey from "legal and wellbeing perspectives".

Full statement from AFLPA GM of player relations Brett Murphy:

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.