Photographer JAKE NOWAKOWSKI was inspired by the enthusiasm and sportsmanship of women's AFL to document their sport.

From November to March, when the heat and humidity is at its most oppressive and the rainfall at its highest, when people spend their weekends in air conditioned comfort whether at home or a shopping centre and only once male sporting leagues have played their grand finals and finished their seasons, four teams of dedicated women get together to play Australian Rules football.

Pictures: Cairns women's AFL

The women involved in this sport defy the idea that only men should play football and constantly have to overcome ill-founded prejudices and snide remarks to do so.

Their enthusiasm and commitment for the game is incredible, their physical prowess and level of skill on the field is respectable and their sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship is beyond what their male counterparts have to offer.

AFL Cairns Women’s League president Jo Butland also is a player and coach for the North Cairns Tigers.

Although starting off in the summer may seem a bit ill advised, it was a chance for local women to do something different.

It also was an opportunity to fill the gap in women’s sporting options.

"The girls who play are constantly coming back to it because they love the game," she says.

"It’s a game that has everything – catching, kicking, running – and it takes a lot of different skills."

The women’s league faces occasional hecklers but Jo says most local guys are pretty supportive. In fact, the league often turns to its male counterparts for coaching.

"I guess it's a bit of a rivalry," she says.

"The boys come and see our games. They comment quite positively on our skills and our fierceness. I think sometimes they think it's a bit more physical than their games."

The women in the Cairns league are mothers, bank managers, teachers – everyday women who simply enjoy the sport.

"Our skills each year are improving," Jo says.

"The kicking in particular has improved out of sight. At the end of the day, we go and play footy because we love to do it.

"The more players we get, the bigger we can build this sport. It helps to cross boundaries and open up possibilities. It changes perceptions as well.

"Women playing any type of male-dominated sport are sometimes not thought of in a good light. We want to show people we're skillful and very capable of playing the same game. You let your football do the talking."

To learn more about the AFL Cairns Women’s League phone Jo on 0417 191 037.

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