Hannah Mouncey is determined to become first elite transgender footballer, but with the draft only a matter of days away, the AFL are unsure as to whether or not she is eligible for the draft.
Having played a stellar season for Ainslie Tricolours in the AFL Canberra’s women competition, Hannah Mouncey’s nomination for the draft had been confirmed by the AFL, but with the draft set to occur on Wednesday, the AFL are currently unsure as to whether or not she is eligible to be drafted.
As The Age reports, Hannah Mouncey was a part of the Australian handball team which had unsuccessfully attempted to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Mouncey began hormone treatment two years ago, and began playing football earlier in 2017.
“I know I’m different and not necessarily in a good way or bad way, but I know I am going to be seen differently,” Mouncey said in an interview with The Age.
AFLW Guidelines
When it comes to selection guidelines for the draft, the AFL uses rules set out by the International Olympic Committee, which requires that an athlete prove their testosterone level is below the limit of 10 nanomoles per litre – a guideline which Mouncey easily adheres to.
“Physiologically things are different, not having any testosterone at this weight makes recovery difficult which is probably something I didn’t factor in, so there’s a bit of trial and error,” Mouncey stated.
“I’m really just figuring it out as I go along, recovery is longer and I can’t eat as much, but also not having a male metabolism you have to watch what you eat.”
Likewise, Chris Rourke, the coach for Ainslie Tricolours’ men’s league believes she should be eligible due to the fact that she’s previously been approved to play in a competition that is officially sanctioned by the AFL.
“I’ve spoken to Hannah a few times and she’s a registered female player who qualifies to play here so she should be allowed to play in the AFLW,” he said.
“They test for testosterone levels and she comes in below so she is right to play. It’s a different world from when I grew up but it’s fantastic for footy and I hope she’s allowed to play and gets drafted.”
The AFL have stated that they intend to make a decision as to whether Hannah Mouncey is eligible to be drafted before Wednesday’s draft.
