By NATHAN JOHN

The AFL Women’s competition committee on Monday ticked off four new rules to go before the AFL Commission when it meets later this month, the latest in a turbulent off-season for the custodians.

A day later the Women’s Footy Almanac for 2018 was launched at the North Fitzroy Arms, a small but lively crowd tucking into a narrow hall to hear from players and writers.

Almanac editor John Harms stood up after a string of speeches to note the publication’s role in celebrating football and writing, and importantly in discussing and documenting the issues around a burgeoning competition.

Potential rule changes in store for next season include the contentious 5-6-5 formation which determines where players can stand at centre bounces.

The possible fixture format for 2019 also stirred controversy last month, when it was reported that teams might play fewer matches even as the competition expanded to accommodate another two clubs.

Almanac women’s footy Editor Kasey Symons said she remained optimistic with the fixture yet to be released, but had concerns the administrators weren’t being receptive to fans and players.

“I think there are a lot of indicators that say they’re not listening and they are just trying to fit the women’s game into a mould that suits them which is really unfair,” Symons said on Tuesday night.

“What we try to do in the book is really talk about those issues.”

Former Guardian sports editor Kate O’Halloran provided a foreword, which rigorously dissects on-field concerns as well as issues around gender equity such as the players’ salaries relative to the men’s competition, and the poor representation of women in AFLW coaching ranks.

Harms said it was important to be critical of administrators and broadcasters when necessary, but said there needed to be a balance, and recognition of positive aspects of the competition.

“Issues emerge, but football is still played,” Harms said on Wednesday.

“I would love [young fans] who were there last night to be reading and celebrating the game as well as being made aware of those other issues.”

At the launch, Symons said it was important to both record both the football and the conditions under which it was played, from the perspective of fans.

“Every single game is recorded so you know exactly who played, you know the pace of the game … you know how the game was won and you also know the climate of the time that it was played.

“That’s another reason I’m really proud of the book. We’re trying to give these women the coverage they deserve.”

The AFL Commission will convene in late September on the proposed rule changes, while the fixture format will be unveiled in October.