PHOTO: Dale with Canberra midfielder Grace Gill (supplied)

As the W-League has grown in the past six seasons, so has it appeal.  Not just to female supporters but to male supporters also.

In our travels to W-League matches we meet some dedicated male supporters of the league and thought we would chat to them about observations and thoughts.

Canberra United enjoy some of the best support in the W-League and one such supporter is Dale Roots.

When was your first exposure to the W-League?

The first I heard of the W-League was before the first season. There was a lot of good media buzz about it in Canberra, and a lot of my friends were keen on seeing how the girls played and what the standard would be. The first game I went to was Canberra v Adelaide, when Thea Slatyer was sent off ridiculously sent off in the first half.

What were your first impressions?

We hadn't had any men's national league football in Canberra for years, and the old WNSL got zero exposure, so it was hard to know what the standard was like.

Of course, the game wasn't as fast or crisp as we'd seen in the A-League, but the atmosphere and the closeness to the game made up for it. Season one was pretty rough and ready football, at least in comparison to the quality of today's competition.

What has kept you as a supporter six years on?

Exposure. The only football we got in Canberra was United games, so there wasn't really any other option but to immerse yourself in it. The football was quite good, the company was great and so was the atmosphere.

United still get a lot of media coverage and there's a lot of positivity surrounding the club, which is something that is intoxicating and quite attractive for the football fan.

What continues to draw you to the game?

For me, the typically slower pace of W-League means that fans can see tactics change and flow as they unfold, which means that it's a good way to better my understanding of the game.

Having said that, the pace of counterattacks and midfield consistency in the league means that there's a lot more goals and action in the attacking third, which is a nice contrast for the sometimes-dull men's leagues.

How often do you attend live games or watch on ABC?

I don't watch as much as I would like, due to work commitments, but I follow the league when I can. ABC online is always the best way to keep up with highlights and replays.

Have you added others to your group of supporters over the seasons?

There was an original group of four or five of us that would go to Canberra games. Aside from that, I've brought friends to games in Sydney, most of whom have seemed to enjoy themselves.

Who is your favourite player?

Good question. I'm been fan of Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon due to their raw talent, but Sal Shipard is probably my favourite player in the league. Her vision helps drive United around the park, and she's not afraid to track back in defence, too.

Has your support translated to the Matildas?

Of course, it's hard not to support our most successful football team! I've been to a few Matildas games, namely the huge Wollongong game against NZ and one in Gosford.