Essendon has become the latest AFL club to push for a women's team to be brought into the AFLW when the competition expands in 2019.
This comes on the back of the AFL confirming expansion will take place in 2019, after they decided next season would stick to just eight teams to further grown the competition.
With a minimum of two teams entering in time for the 2019 season, Essendon have put their hand up to be one of those clubs, with the daughter of Bombers legend Michael Long, Michaela Long, the face of their bid on Friday.
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to be part of AFLW competition, it was a huge success in its debut season and I know our members and supporters are extremely passionate about seeing Essendon represented on this stage," Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said in a press conference on Friday..
"We have conducted thorough research with the inaugural AFLW Clubs, have strong financial interest from new and existing commercial partners, consulted with a number of industry experts and key stakeholders, and through the key learnings build a strong framework we believe will help us establish a strong and sustainable AFLW model."
As well as announcing the AFLW bid, the Bombers also proposed a $18 million facility upgrade that would expand their Tullamarine base to cater for an AFLW side.
Michaela Long rejected offers from Adelaide and GWS to play in the inaugural AFLW season, holding out for a chance to play for the same club her father did.
Long would be able to join Essendon in their first season in the competition, given the new father-daughter rule.
