The AFL has told transgender footballer Hannah Mouncey that she is not eligible to be selected at Wednesday's AFL Women's draft, announcing the ruling less than 24 hours before the national selection meeting is set to take place in Melbourne.
Mouncey began a gender transition in 2015, having played for the Australian men's handball team,and she played eight games for Ainslie in the Canberra women's football competition last season.
A subcommittee comprising of AFL Commissioners Jason Ball, Gabrielle Trainor and Major General Simone Wilkie, AFL general manager of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch and AFL general counsel and general manager of game development Andrew Dillon reviewed the nomination.
The process included consultation with Mouncey, her management, the AFL Players Association, the Australian Sports Commission and Pride in Sport.
Hosch thanked Mouncey for her understanding and positive engagement throughout the process.
"Hannah's passion for football is undeniable, and I want to thank her and her team for their constructive participation in the decision-making process," Hosch said.
"It was important to involve the right stakeholders to review all the information and data available. Every case will be decided on its own merits along with the individual circumstances of each future nominee.
"We acknowledge Hannah's openness and co-operation. She has contributed to a process which will substantially inform the development of the AFL's transgender policy and procedure for future players at the elite level.
"The AFL has made very strong commitments to equality and inclusion at all levels of the game. We recognise that participating in sport has physical, psychological and social benefits and we are committed to making Australian football on every level welcoming to all in our community."