Kate Hore, an experienced player with seven years in the AFLW, passionately believes in and fights for the expansion of women’s football. Despite these recent, major, multi-million-dollar blows, she’s still optimistic. Hore was a rookie just as the 2018 season began in the league’s first year of existence. Since then, Miller has played as an anchor for her club, the professional Melbourne Demons, winning both a premiership in 2022 and three All-Australian selections.
Hore’s path to sports advocacy started at a young age, playing football from age five to ten. Though that could have propelled her career, she didn’t skate competitively for ten years afterward. She spoke about the impact key development had on her own upbringing, explaining, “I didn’t have a long time to hone my craft. This abyss, however, couldn’t stop her passion for the game, which she believes is now flourishing.
Commitment to Development
Hore reiterated that the AFLW competition is getting better in its on-field product, year by year, highlighting the depth of talent of some of its new players emerging. In particular, she’s excited about the wave of young female athletes who are entering the league. She hopes that their talent will raise everyone’s level of play.
“These girls are coming through the pathways now … it makes me really, really excited for the future.” – Kate Hore
Hore is passionate about the league’s growth. Most recently, she has been instrumental in Melbourne’s efforts to land a new sponsorship with a Swedish automotive manufacturer. This partnership will help ambassador our Demons women’s team in 2023. It highlights the fact that companies are starting to show a vested interest in helping women’s sports succeed.
“This partnership just shows that there’s so many businesses and organisations that really want to help grow the game and support us girls.” – Kate Hore
Investment in the Future
Hore called on league administrators and sponsors to continue believing in the long-term future of the AFLW. She reiterated the long-term benefits of investing in women’s football. She believes that as the competition celebrates its 10th season, it is crucial to recognize the potential for continued growth.
“It’s an investment, really, and the competition’s growing. We’re celebrating our 10th season, but only nine years in, so the competition is going to continue to grow.” – Kate Hore
She expressed confidence in the current trajectory of the league, stating, “I’m super confident that the AFLW is an amazing competition already and we’re only 10 seasons in, so I think we just need to keep investing, both as players and then more broadly as well, into the game.”
Pushing for Expansion
In addition to advocating for investment, Hore supports an expanded season in which every team competes against all opponents by 2031. Whether its new rule changes or how Theresa sees the league evolving, she wants to make it a better place for players—and fans.
“The skill levels are going to continue to grow, and I’ve really seen that in our new girls and our draftees this year.” – Kate Hore
Hore’s insights reflect a broader sentiment among players advocating for structural changes that could bolster the league’s credibility and popularity. As she starts her new career with Melbourne, she insists there’s no turning back from driving women’s football forward.
