Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Book Review #751 - Play On! by Brunette Lenkic and Rob Hess

31430751






Since the inception of Australian Rules football in the 1850s, women have been eager to be involved. More than 100 years ago, they began taking to the field. However, their stories have largely been invisible – sidelined, ignored or forgotten.

Play On! is the first comprehensive history of women’s Australian Rules football and showcases the athleticism, hard work and resilience that has kept the women’s game alive.

Discover how competitive women’s football began with shop assistants at Perth department stores, how female footballers supported soldiers in both world wars, and how a few passionate women created state and territory leagues across Australia.

With schoolgirls’ competitions flourishing, state leagues growing, and a national league imminent, the women’s game has never been stronger. Talented, dedicated and proud women over the past century have made Australian Rules football a truly national game.


My Rating: 3.5/5


As a female AFL fan I felt like this book was one that I should read.

I wasn't surprised that the roots of the women's game began in my home state of Western Australia but I was surprised how much Kalgoorlie was involved as that is where my mum was born and I still have extended family living there.

This book made me feel a lot of anger due to the blatant sexism women have endured over the years when all they wanted to do was play football.

For example they had men dress as women instead of allowing actual women to play and then when women were actually able to play they had to wear uncomfortable uniforms that were unfit for playing.

I really enjoyed learning the history side of it all especially the amount included on Western Australia as we are usually the state left out and I could tell how extensive the research was to publish this book.

No comments:

Post a Comment