The best footballers in NSW and the ACT will meet in February to contest the inaugural Women’s Summer Series.

Four teams (two each representing the Swans and GIANTS) will face off in a five-week series, with around 120 players selected for the invitational competition. The series will include a week of orientation and combine-style testing followed by four rounds of matches.

Players involved will be working hard to catch the eye of AFLW recruiters while also getting the opportunity to match up against elite-listed players from the GIANTS.

Tiffany Robertson, Head of AFL NSW/ACT, is looking forward to hosting the Women’s Summer Series. “The Women’s Summer Series will showcase the best talent we have to offer,” she said. “It is an opportunity for players with elite ambition to take the next step towards their dream of an AFLW berth – this is their chance to prove themselves against the best.

“AFL NSW/ACT is excited to support the next generation of stars show their talent and demonstrate their fitness, skills and commitment on the big stage.”

The series will allow the GIANTS’ AFLW players missing senior team selection to get a hit out against quality opponents.

“The introduction of the Women’s Summer Series allows us, for the first time, to have an underpinning competition for those not selected to play at AFLW level,” said Briana Harvey, GIANTS Head of Women’s Football.

“This is an incredibly important addition to our AFLW program and it’s great that pathway now exists in season six.

“It’s also a great opportunity for our train-on players, Academy athletes and other players across NSW and the ACT to be part of a development program as they work towards playing at the elite level.”

The Women's Summer Series begins on 5 February 2022 and continues weekly until 12 March 2022 (the weekend of 26 February is a scheduled break). Community football scheduling will not be affected by the Series.

Players invited to the Women’s Summer Series will be contacted shortly with further details around the Series and suggested training plan.

Further information will be available at www.aflnswact.com.au/wsummerseries.