AFLW players' parents actively promote the league to broader audiences
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026

Joe Tripodi and Vinnie Brancatisano are working to increase public interest in the AFLW by advocating for the league within their professional networks. As fathers of North Melbourne’s Ruby Tripodi and Gold Coast’s Maddy Brancatisano, the two men use their positions in Melbourne’s fruit and vegetable markets to discuss the league and encourage attendance at matches. They frequently distribute tickets to friends and family to help challenge negative stereotypes surrounding women's football. Both men report success in changing the perceptions of skeptics who attend games. They aim to boost the profile of the competition by ensuring more people observe the skill levels of AFLW players firsthand. This grassroots initiative remains a regular part of their weekly conversations throughout the season.
- •Joe Tripodi and Vinnie Brancatisano organize match attendance for family and colleagues.
- •The pair discusses AFLW games weekly while working in the Melbourne fruit markets.
- •Tripodi supports his daughter Ruby at North Melbourne, while Brancatisano follows Maddy at the Gold Coast.
- •The initiative focuses on shifting negative public sentiment by encouraging people to watch games in person.
- 8:00 PMAFL — The dads making it their mission to include AFLW in the footy conversation
"Most mornings you'll find Joe Tripodi and Vinnie Brancatisano at Melbourne's fruit markets dissecting the weekend's AFLW games
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