An examination of the lived experiences of Indigenous women in elite and sub-elite Australian rules football and rugby league

Indigenous people account for just 3.8% of the total Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2021), yet the percentage competing at the elite level of the men’s Australian rules football and rugby league competitions sits at approximately 9-12% (Gleeson, 2024; NRL, 2024). Both sports have shared a long and unique history with Indigenous Australians, despite the significant barriers that have hampered Indigenous participation in sport since the colonisation (or invasion) of Australia (Maynard, 2012). This connection to sport and in particular these two football codes within Australia also extends to Indigenous women, with the elite levels of the sport for women, the Australian Rules Football’s Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) and the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competitions, also boasting figures well above the national average for Indigenous Australians. Adopting a third wave feminist perspective, this study analyses the lived experiences of 29 Indigenous female athletes competing in the elite and sub-elite sporting environments of Australian rules football and rugby league. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with a thematic analysis adopted. This research explored the current pathways for Indigenous female athletes in these sports and suggests improvements for the identification and support of these athletes. The participants of this study also shared experiences such as racism and discrimination during their time in the sports, their views on leadership within Australian rules football and rugby league as well as what opportunities are available to them, as Indigenous athletes. The importance participants placed on giving back to communities and ensuring the next generation of Indigenous female athletes in these sports are supported is also presented. Overall, this research concluded that there were many positive experiences shared by participants across both sports, however barriers are still evident in relation to racism and discrimination and the level of support received as female athletes.