How many teams competed in the inaugural AFL Women’s season in 2017?

Eight teams competed in the inaugural AFL Women’s season in 2017.

The AFL launched its national women’s competition with eight club-based teams: Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. The short opening season was designed to establish an elite national competition and create a pathway for women’s players.

The league used a compact schedule rather than the long home-and-away season familiar from the men’s competition. Adelaide finished as premier, defeating Brisbane in the inaugural AFLW Grand Final.

The original eight-team structure was not intended to be permanent. More clubs entered in later seasons, and the competition expanded toward a full national league. This expansion means modern AFLW team counts should not be projected backward onto 2017. The inaugural season’s defining number is eight, covering clubs from several Australian states and territories.