AFL to rule whether transgender player can be drafted

The AFL is set to announce a landmark decision on whether a transgender player can be included in the 2018 draft picks for the women’s league.

Canberra based player Hannah Mouncey has nominated for the draft, but with just a few days remaining until teams pick their new players for the 2018 season, she’s still waiting to find out if the AFL will allow a transgender player  into the game.

A spokesperson for the Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed that a decision will be made before Wednesday.

“The AFL is determining whether Hannah is eligible to be drafted,” a spokesperson said.

This year Mouncey played for Canberra team the Ainslie Tricolours. She has previously written about her desire to play competitive sport.

The AFL follows International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations which state an athlete must prove their testosterone level is below 10 nanomoles per litre, a requirement which Mouncey comfortably meets.

Mouncey’s nomination has been supported by one of Australia’s most high profile transgender women, Catherine McGregor. McGregor told Fairfax Media that she didn’t believe the AFL had any right to discriminate against the player.

“There are some serious legal issues in terms of saying no, they’d have to say she’s not eligible for ability because in terms of saying she actually can’t play they’d run into discrimination laws,” McGregor said.

The AFL is expected to release its decision on Monday.

OIP Staff