BENDIGO Thunder skipper Emma Grant says she dreams of a day when all 18 AFL clubs have stand-alone women's teams.
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That day might not be as far away as some people would think, as women's football continues to solidify its reputation as one of Australia's boom sports.
According to AFL statistics, female participation in Australian rules soared by 46 per cent last year.
More than 163 new female football teams were established last year, with player numbers across Australia reaching 284,501.
Combined with the success of two exhibition matches, featuring Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, it's no wonder the AFL is in the throes of establishing a national competition.
At least six teams are expected to be a part of the competition when it launches in 2017 - four in Melbourne and two interstate.
There could be a few familiar faces involved, with four Bendigo Thunder representatives currently taking part in a nine-month program at the AFL Victoria Women's Football Academy.
Thunder captain Grant, reigning best and fairest Leah French, Jess Kennedy and Hayley Trevean are among 100 hopefuls taking part, with an eye to being drafted ahead of the competition's debut.
The academy, which launched last year, has given players access to coaching staff and training facilities at several AFL clubs.
Grant said it had been a great learning experience for her and her teammates involved.
"It's absolutely amazing - we're learning so much," she said.
"We go down to Melbourne Tuesday nights - we've trained at the Essendon Football Club, Carlton, Maribyrnong Sports Academy and Gosch's Paddock, Melbourne.
"Out of that we'll play some games against each other and some state teams in the hope to get drafted at the end of the year.
"The more and more they talk about four teams from Victoria and needing about 100 girls, we know we are right in the mix."
The expansion of women’s football shows no sign of abating, with a new league being launched this year in Mildura and possibly Shepparton.
Numbers in the Bendigo Junior Football League youth girls league are also set to swell this season, with the inclusion of Golden Square and South Bendigo creating a 10-team competition.
FOR more on the rise and rise of women’s football, see Saturday’s Bendigo Advertiser Weekender.