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Australian Story: Aug 29

Australian Story profiles Western Bulldogs vice-president Susan Alberti -who successfully sued Channel Nine after comments on The Footy Show.

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Australian Story profiles Western Bulldogs vice-president Susan Alberti -the woman who successfully sued Channel Nine after comments made on The Footy Show.

Women have been playing Australian Rules Football in local clubs for decades but that’s as far as they’ve been able to go. Now this is all about to change, with the launch of a national AFL women’s league in February. A driving force behind this revolution is Western Bulldogs vice-president Susan Alberti.

The businesswoman and philanthropist has been a tireless advocate for women’s AFL and a vocal critic of those she considers disrespectful to women. In 2009, she sued Channel Nine over comments made by The Footy Show’s Sam Newman, winning a $220,000 settlement.

Susan Alberti is a great supporter of female players and one of the stars of the game that she has come to admire is marquee Collingwood player Moana Hope.

With her signature pearls and designer handbag, Susan Alberti would seem very different to the tattooed, shaved-haired Moana Hope. But as Australian Story reveals, the two women have more in common than meets the eye.

“Susan’s been funding women’s football since way back, which is probably one of the biggest reasons we’re in the position that we are right now.” Moana Hope, marquee women’s AFL player, Collingwood

“At first pass, Susan and Mo wouldn’t have much in common, but once you get to know Susan, she’s as grounded as anyone you’d meet.” Gillon McLachlan, CEO of the AFL

“Susan had made herself a target for people who thought it was outrageous that a woman was taking on these men who’ve been in the football world for so many years.” Colin North, Susan Alberti’s husband

8pm Monday on ABC.

2 Responses

  1. I’m looking forward to seeing this show. I am immensely grateful to all the people who have worked so hard towards a women’s competition which has given my young family member a chance at a sports career.

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