These are the AFLW's five biggest issues, as told to The W with Sharni and Sam

On the ABC's AFLW podcast, The W with Sharni and Sam, we've spent the last 15 weeks talking to the leading players, coaches and administrators.

These are the five biggest issues that were brought up by the league's central figures.

The AFL's assertion that the league will become full-time by 2026 is the official line on the «when» part of that question, but how we get to that point was brought up by a number of figures this season.

Collingwood's Brianna Davey talked about the need to adequately support players during that transition to full-time status.

«The transition period, I think, will probably be the hardest bit,» Davey said.

«When the girls are expected to, sort of, half-work, half-do footy.

»I do think it’s achievable, but the support needs to be in place for the girls, particularly, who aren’t earning enough to just play footy."

Carlton's Darcy Vescio mentioned the need for 12-month contracts.

«12-month contracts is a huge one … The six-month contracts just aren't working, and they're putting so much strain on the players,» Vescio said.

«You do get a couple of weeks off after the season, but then the work starts again, and you feel like you're volunteering for the AFL for five months.»

Western Bulldogs' General Manager of Women's Football Debbie Lee was fairly frank on the matter.

«I think we can become full-time anytime we want,» Lee said.

«I think it's just: How does it work and what's the decision … and how do we fund it?»

The full-time question wasn't just being posed by players, but by coaches too, as inaugural Sydney Swans AFLW head coach Scott Gowans made clear.

«What the hell’s going to happen when they become full-time [players] and there’s one full-time coach in the program?» Gowans asked.

«Unless the coaches