Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I join with the Prime Minister in congratulating the Melbourne Vixens on their victory last weekend and I look forward to watching on telly the Geelong-Richmond grand final. I think that both of those teams, as Victorian teams, have had it particularly tough during this season, and they deserve absolute credit—the players and all of the clubs associated with them—for what is a remarkable achievement.

Similarly, the Melbourne Storm, who are playing on Saturday night, have based themselves on the Sunshine Coast there in Queensland, away from family, friends and their homes. That is particularly tough, and it's a great achievement for them to get through to the grand final. My head says they'll be successful. My heart says Penrith! But I do think that Melbourne Storm have been the most successful team over the last decade. But I hope it is a good game and I hope it's not decided by one foot being on the wrong side of the line in a 40-20 kick, which is what happened with Adam Reynolds last week—and no, Mr Speaker, I'm not over it yet! Three preliminary finals in a row we've lost, South Sydney, but I wish them all well.

Indeed, on the Rugby League Women's grand final between the Roosters and the Broncos: it's been a great initiative that women are playing in big numbers. There's been big growth in women and young girls playing rugby league and AFL. So, to everyone associated with those sports: it has been good, during what has been a difficult year, for people to be able to watch the footy on the weekend, and I congratulate all associated with the codes.

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