AFL to decide on historic first trans player
Image: (PHOTO: Ann-Marie Calilhanna; Star Observer)
The AFL is set to make a decision on whether the first trans woman player can participate in its women鈥檚 competition.
Former national handball player Hannah Mouncey is awaiting news of her eligibility for tomorrow鈥檚 draft, according to .
鈥淚f people have an interest in me because I鈥檓 trans, then that is what it is. I can鈥檛 control that,鈥� Mouncey said in a recent interview.
鈥淭o be honest, I鈥檝e probably heard and seen everything that you possibly can in the negative sense so that鈥檚 not really going to hold any fears for me there. I鈥檓 just keen to play, get picked up hopefully and then see what happens.鈥�
The 27-year-old has tested well within the hormone limits prescribed by the International Olympic Committee that the AFL follows for trans players.
鈥淚 know that I am different, not necessarily in a good way or bad way,鈥� Mouncey said.
鈥淧eople have said 鈥榳ith how big you are you鈥檒l probably hold back a bit so you don鈥檛 hurt anyone鈥� and I鈥檓 like, 鈥榳ell no, I鈥檓 not going to hold back, that defeats the whole purpose鈥�.
鈥淚 had my ribs broken in my last game so I know they can hit me as hard as I can hit them and do damage. I know I鈥檓 seen differently but I won鈥檛 approach it any differently.鈥�
Mouncey has stated she is not yet in a position to comment on the competition draft.
A decision from the league is expected this week.
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