TRANSGENDER footballer Hannah Mouncey has been granted permission by the AFL to play in the VFLW and AFL Canberra’s women’s league this season.

Over recent weeks, Mouncey, who played in the ACT league after beginning her gender transition in 2015, had met with AFL officials that had been contemplating her application to play in Victoria.

But on Tuesday, AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon and GM Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch announced they had given Mouncey the go-ahead to play state level footy in 2018.

Round 18

Mouncey took to social media to reveal the news then went on to release a detailed statement via Twitter.

“While I wholeheartedly thank those who supported me through this time, I will not and I think it would be inappropriate for me to thank the AFL for allowing me to do something open to every other Australian,” Mouncey said.

“The science and research has supported (this decision) all along.

“Had we simply gone by the research at the start, we could have avoided the whole saga that has taken place completely.

“I am however grateful that they took the time to look at this situation properly, as it is complex.”

She added the line of questioning and “circus” around her issue over the last four months has highlighted a lack of understanding around the science of gender transition, which Mouncey understands.

“But more importantly and worryingly, it showed a disturbing willingness by those who don’t understand it to dismiss research and evidence,” she said.

Mouncey called for more health support for people going through gender transition, plus their family and friends.

She also feels that the issue became much more than her bid to play in an AFL women’s competition.

“Yes, the AFL may prefer that I did not exist or chose to go and do something else, but that it is not how it is and we are not people to be ignored in the hope that will happen,” Mouncey said.

Hosch said the league would seek guidance and advice from the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Human Rights Commission in developing its gender diversity policy.

“We are committed to inclusion and want all Australians to be able to play or participate in our game. These are complex issues and we are considering expert opinion, international frameworks and feedback from the communities that are impacted by our decisions,” Hosch said.

The ruling comes months after Mouncey’s attempt to join the AFLW was stopped by the league the day before the 2017 draft.

The AFL on Tuesday reiterated that the decision not to accept Mouncey’s nomination for the draft applied for 2018 only.

“The AFL’s decision was made in accordance with the exception to discrimination on the basis of gender identity under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act and took into account the stage of maturity of the AFLW competition, its current player cohort and Ms Mouncey’s individual circumstances,” the statement read.

Mouncey kicked 17 goals from eight games for Ainslie in Canberra’s women’s competition in 2017.

Having previously played for Australia’s men’s handball team, Mouncey began a gender transition in 2015.