Hannah Mouncey, the transgender woman who was ruled ineligible for the AFLW draft today, has issued a statement through her management about the decision, saying she is “extremely disappointed” about what has transpired.
Mouncey had declared her intention to enter the AFLW draft after spectacular success in the ACT women’s league. The AFL delayed the announcement of their decision ’til pretty much the very last minute.
Mouncey’s full statement is below:
While I am extremely disappointed with the AFL’s decision regarding my participation in tomorrow’s AFLW draft, I thank them for the genuine way in which they approached my situation.
Despite not being able to take part in the draft, the AFL has given me the all clear to play for Ainslie next year in the AFL Canberra competition for which I am very grateful and look forward to doing in 2018, before hopefully being able to nominate for next year’s draft.
As we reported earlier today, Mouncey easily meets the the International Olympic Committee‘s guidelines and requirements for transgender athletes, which dictates the levels of testosterone permitted in an athlete. The AFL follows IOC guidelines.
Mouncey made clear in her statement that she will be “making no further comment at this time” about the AFL’s decision on this matter.
It’s pretty disappointing – and hopefully there will be clarity in the coming days as to what reasoning led to the decision. As it stands, we echo Hannah’s hope that she’ll be able to nominate for the 2018 draft.
