UP TO nine clubs could bid for a licence to compete in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s season by Friday’s deadline, with at least two clubs – and possibly four – set to be introduced.

A decision on the make-up of the competition is expected in late July.

The AFLW will continue with eight teams next season (Adelaide, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs), but only the Sydney Swans have ruled themselves out of contention for 2019.

"I'm guessing there will be at least eight and maybe nine bids. We've certainly heard from every club," AFL football operations general manager Simon Lethlean told AFL.com.au.

"The Swans have already put their submission, which is really clear that they're as keen as anyone, but they would prefer to wait until they have the appropriate facilities to house a team in the manner they want to, and to be able to play games where they want to, in the east of Sydney," Lethlean said.

The Swans launched a youth girls’ academy on Thursday.

"I reckon the rest of the teams will be submitting (but) I'm not sure about Port (Adelaide) at this stage," he said.

Playing a home game in China has been the Power's main focus, with the club expected to continue investing in this project in the short-to-medium term.

The AFL will consider two main factors when determining how many clubs are granted entry in 2019.

"What it means to the clubs, and whether we can find the appropriate amount of talent to keep the competition improving," Lethlean said.

"Two teams is basically 60 new players and four teams is 120, and on we go. If the AFL Commission looks at the submissions and they’re compelling enough, and if their view is four (new clubs), we need to be able to prove we can find the players in two years to sustain that, so it's a pretty important part of the conversation."

Early evidence shows more women are playing football.

"Victoria's looking at I think about 200 new girls' and women's teams this year and that growth is replicating itself around Australia too, in varying degrees," Lethlean said.

"Auskick numbers are coming through now and there's certainly an uptick."

AFLW matches could soon be played at Etihad Stadium.

"We're having a look at being a bit more adventurous for a few of our games at bigger venues like Etihad or Adelaide Oval or Ballarat (in central Victoria)," Lethlean said.

"There's going to be a suburban oval feel to the competition, because that's what people seemed to like this year."

Discussions around potential rule changes haven't advanced far, but will be looked at as part of a broad review of the inaugural season. One possible change on the agenda is a nine-point 'supergoal' for majors kicked from 40m.

Player salaries could increase next season to reflect the higher-than-forecast time commitment for players at their clubs.

"The AFLPA aren't at this stage demanding an assessment of more payments for the players, but they are in conversation with us about the hours to be spent (at the club)," Lethlean said.

"If there's going to be an agreed increase in hours, there will need to be a contemplation of (increased payments)."