Four AFLW players have travelled through Nepal with Intrepid Travel, highlighting the women whose leadership and expertise shape the company’s women’s expeditions.
North Melbourne players Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner joined Collingwood’s Ruby Schleicher and Carlton’s Darcy Vescio for the campaign, which launches alongside the 2026 AFLW season.
The players travelled with Intrepid’s local leader, assistant guides and its team of women porters, known as the Sisters.
Created with the AFL Players Association, North Melbourne Football Club and Purpose Impact Agency, the campaign focuses on the connections between women’s sport and adventure travel, including confidence, resilience, friendship and challenging stereotypes.
It also forms part of Intrepid’s ‘The Difference is Who’ brand platform, which places greater attention on the local people whose knowledge and care influence travellers’ experiences.
“Women’s sport and women’s travel are both about creating opportunities, building confidence and challenging what’s possible,” said Intrepid Travel ANZ General Manager Yvette Thompson.
“This campaign celebrates the remarkable women at the heart of every Intrepid journey, from the AFLW athletes experiencing Nepal for the first time to our local leaders, guides and porters whose stories, knowledge and warmth made the trip unforgettable.”
The campaign arrives as Intrepid reports continued growth in demand for travel experiences designed exclusively for women.
Bookings across its Women’s Expeditions collection increased by 32 per cent in 2025. Intrepid expanded the range earlier this year, adding itineraries in Peru, Cambodia and Bhutan.
The company said 77 per cent of travellers on its Women’s Expeditions joined without a companion, suggesting that opportunities to meet other travellers remain an important part of the appeal.
AFL Players Association General Manager Communications and Commercial Michael Jaminson said the campaign gave players an opportunity to use their public profiles to encourage others and question established expectations.
“Bringing together athletes from across the W competition to experience Nepal alongside the incredible women who guide and support Intrepid’s Women’s Expeditions reflects the values of leadership, resilience and connection that are at the heart of our game,” Jaminson said.
North Melbourne Football Club Chief Commercial Officer Orry Lack said the collaboration demonstrated how sporting partnerships could extend beyond conventional sponsorship activity.
“This campaign showcases the positive influence our players can have off the field while highlighting the power of travel to build confidence, broaden perspectives and create lasting connections,” Lack said.
“It was clear that a genuine bond formed between the players and their Intrepid leaders.”
The trip was organised through Intrepid’s partnerships with North Melbourne Football Club and the AFL Players Association.
Lead image, from left: Jasmine Garner, Ritu Tamang, Ash Riddell, Ruby Schleicher, Keshu Sherpa and Darcy Vescio.
