The Western Bulldogs Vice President has been a significant contributor to women’s football and Saturday’s curtain raiser will not only see two women’s teams running out on the hallowed turf, but will see one team do so in Alberti’s beloved red, white and blue.
The first AFL sanctioned match that allows women to represent two senior clubs is the cornerstone of women’s round this season and a historic step forward in football equality.
“It is going to be a very special day for me on Saturday, not only is it going to be history in the making with the AFL but for me personally, it will be like a dream come true that I have waited almost 50 years [for],” Alberti said.
Alberti predicts a close contest between 50 of the top rated female footballers across the nation, with six of the Bulldogs affiliated team named in the All Australian side last week.
“I’d like to see all clubs involved and all having a team, but how that’s done, well I’m not the expert there, but I’d love to see all teams participating in women’s round,” she said.
“Having [six] women now named in the All Australian teams, well we have a very good chance the Bulldogs.
“It’s going to be fierce it’s going to be a good competition.”
A lover of football and the Western Bulldogs, Alberti believes women should be given the same opportunities as men to play and support AFL and is encouraging members and fans to attend the historic event, regardless of what team you follow.
“There are so many women out there who really enjoy playing the game and why shouldn’t they be allowed to play the game at the highest level,” she said.
“They train hard, they work hard and if you watch them you will see just how good they are, so why not?”
