AFLW great and commentator Kate McCarthy has ignited a discussion among Australian Rules Football fans by asserting that many women coaching in the women's league are better qualified for head coaching positions in the men's league than some male candidates.
McCarthy, speaking on Seven's The Agenda Setters, questioned why top coaches from the AFLW are not considered for head coaching vacancies in the AFL, such as those currently open at Carlton and Essendon. She pointed out that these women often lead programs with smaller budgets and fewer resources, yet achieve success.
"I think they're more qualified than most of the [male] assistant coaches who are going for it because they [the AFLW mentors] are senior coaches, to start with, they are leading an under-represented, underfunded program when you compare the soft caps," McCarthy stated. She added that their experience in navigating more challenging conditions within AFLW programs makes them prepared for higher roles.
McCarthy further highlighted that the winning percentages of some AFLW coaches surpass that of Chris Scott, the highly successful men's coach at Geelong since 2011. Her co-host Mitch Cleary agreed, questioning why women's coaches are not even considered for assistant or line coaching roles in the men's game.
The debate saw a near even split among fans. Supporters of McCarthy's view argued that success in coaching at the highest level of women's football should warrant consideration, regardless of gender. They dismissed arguments that the men's and women's games are too different, noting that many coaches have experience in or familiarity with men's football.
Conversely, many fans argued that the differences between the AFL and AFLW are too significant for a direct coaching crossover to be effective. They cited disparities in the level of competition, facilities, and the fundamental structure of the games, with AFLW featuring 16 players per side compared to the AFL's 18.
McCarthy, who joined Seven's football coverage in 2024, has also been noted for her commentary and her public stance against online trolls.