Five pairs of boots, countless stories of resilience and perseverance

From an era of sticky-tape numbers to the modern day AFLW competition, a short film created by AFLW partner Johnnie Walker pays tribute to the pioneers who paved the way

STICKY-TAPE numbers, bike shorts and t-shirts.

These were essential parts of the playing outfits for the first wave of female footballers.

It was a far cry from the slick guernseys AFLW players wear today, tailored to fit the players’ bodies and covered with sponsor logos.

“I remember our first match. We actually rolled out in sticky tape numbers, bicycle pants and t-shirts,” Debbie Lee says on In Her Boots, a short film created by AFLW partner Johnnie Walker that documents the creation of five special pairs of footy boots.

While Lee’s football journey might seem like one from the distant past, it was part of the first steps towards the…