AFLW stars hope the momentum created by the exhibition match between Australia and Ireland can deliver the uptick in crowds the competition desperately needs. Then, players want the AFLW to show the same faith they have in the competition and extend it to a full regular season. Adelaide captain Ebony Marinoff felt having the league’s best players on that stage underlined the quality of the AFLW. Now, as the AFLW’s 11th season begins, it’s about ensuring a league which has recently struggled in terms of attendance and TV ratings regains momentum. “But also, there is a place where we play at stadiums, and I think there’s got to be a sweet spot.”