Susan Alberti says it’s paramount the football community is united in its support of AFLW and that those who seek to drive a wedge between the men’s and women’s leagues are out of touch with modern norms.

Outspoken radio host and former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes has been one of the leading critics of AFLW, suggesting its players are entitled and their skills are poor.

Alberti said it was disheartening to hear such comments. But at the same time, she also said Cornes’ barbs lacked sense.

“He doesn’t understand the women’s game and how it’s evolving,” Alberti told foxfooty.com.au.

Round 18

“We’re not in competition with the men. That’s the problem.

“People like (Kane) think we are. It’s women versus women. We need to work all together.”

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The AFL officially launched season three of AFLW on Wednesday morning, with the first match between Geelong and Collingwood just three sleeps away.

But amid the cluttered summer of sport that boasts the Australian Open and all forms of cricket, the build up to the AFLW season has been somewhat overshadowed.

Add in the new format for AFLX and some would have you believe the AFL is cannibalising its own product.

But Alberti didn’t see it that way.

Brisbane captain Leah Kaslar (left). Photo: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett Source: AAP

“I think we’ve been given a better lead up this time,” she said.

“I would have criticised it last year, and I did. But this year I think it has been better.

“And we will get better as we learn. I mean, we’re so young. It took about 150 years for the men to get where they are, and I always say the first 100 years are the hardest.”

AFLW captains were less willing to weigh into the AFLW v AFLX debate.

However, like Alberti, many stated the facts: The two products are separate and should be viewed through that prism.

“I don’t really see the clash there,” newly anointed Brisbane skipper Leah Kaslar said.

“I am focused on building our brand of footy and what we’re doing. I don’t pay attention to that noise.”

Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn echoed Kaslar’s sentiments, also suggesting it was near impossible to give AFLW the best build up possible because so many sporting codes were competing for airtime.

“I think it’s exciting for the AFL that they’ve got two new and exciting up and coming things with AFLX and AFLW,” Blackburn said.

“I think with our season leading into it this week there’s been a fair bit of promotion. But I think there has been a slight wait on purpose.

“With the cricket and all of that you might lose a bit of media so it’s good that it’s up and coming this week.”