Suzie Miller's new play 'Strong is the New Pretty' premiered at the Brisbane Festival, celebrating the struggles and achievements of women in the creation of the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. The play highlights the challenges faced by female players, coaches, and advocates, including sexism, unrealistic training schedules, and societal exclusion. Key historical figures like the first female AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn, former female football development manager Jan Cooper, and the first female coach of the Adelaide Crows, Bec Goddard, are portrayed through fictionalized characters. The production features strong performances, innovative staging, and humor, while addressing broader themes of gender inequality in sports. The play aims to entertain while prompting reflection on social issues related to women in athletics.
Bias read (Center): While the subject matter relates to gender equality in sports, which has political implications, the article presents a balanced portrayal of the challenges faced by women in AFLW without overtly favoring any particular ideological stance. The focus is on the narrative and artistic elements of the戏,




