The AFL actually just said something akin to "Men across the country are subjected to the same treatment". So either;

A. The highest level of women's football is akin to men's park competitions; or
B. "No it's actually you WOMENS who are the sexist ones"

If I didn't know better I'd think the AFL have gotten the week of media coverage they wanted out of this, and are now taking a dive at the final hurdle to see the right outcome occur.