Adelaide’s exciting vision for women’s football has underpinned its joint bid with AFLNT to field a Crows team in the AFL’s national women’s competition.

CEO Andrew Fagan is confident the comprehensive submission, lodged today with the AFL, shows why Adelaide should win one of the new licences to be part of the inaugural season in 2017.

The document details the plans and financial model for the growth and development of women’s football – on and off the field - in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

“We believe that this proposal presents a compelling case for inclusion in the inaugural competition in 2017,” Fagan said.

“Importantly, it will create a clear and well-supported pathway for females in SA and NT who aspire to play Australian rules football at the highest level.”

A Crows women’s squad would play its home games in Darwin and Adelaide, wear versions of the AFC guernseys and run high performance programs from elite facilities at both the Adelaide Football Club and new Michael Long Leadership and Learning Centre in Darwin.

“The bid is about more than bringing together a group of talented athletes to represent the Crows, SA and NT in a national competition,” Fagan said.

 “The AFL women’s team will be a key part of a broader commitment to women’s football. We want to engage with women and girls and work with the SANFL and SAWFL to develop and promote the infrastructure and pathways to support increased participation.

“This is a significant step for the Adelaide Football Club and we have also enjoyed collaborating with AFLNT to build this proposal.”

Fagan said there had been substantial expressions of interest from the corporate sector and the bid had been endorsed by both the NT and SA governments.

“The launch of a national women’s competition is a bold and an exciting move by the AFL and we are ready and willing to push ahead and play our part in growing the game,” he said.