THE NATION'S best female footballers are gearing up for a second exhibition match between teams representing the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, which will be held as a curtain-raiser to Sunday's AFL clash between the clubs at Etihad Stadium.

Some players who featured in last year's inaugural game are returning, while the rest were chosen in a draft held via teleconference a month ago.

The match is considered to be the high-point of the AFL's Female Football Program.

"Watching the tape back from last year, you can tell that the girls are really hard at it," said Dogs skipper Aasta O'Connor, who is fronting up for a second time.

"The physicality of the game is something that we, as females, totally buy into. We want to get out there and have a real crack.

"It really stamps that the AFL and the people behind the scenes are ensuring there is a pathway for females to participate in.

"This game is the pinnacle. Pulling on an AFL guernsey is really fantastic."

Daisy Pearce, who was last year's No. 1 draft pick and will captain the Demons this time around, is hoping to inspire more women to take up the game.

"There's a real buzz around women's footy at the moment, definitely, and the growth has just been amazing," she said.

"It's really exciting, and it means this game is just going to get better."

The interstate players will arrive in Melbourne later this week, with many bringing family members with them.

"I'm sure they'll come from far and wide," O'Connor said. "The girls are coming from all around Australia.

"And your family is why you get here in the first place. It's great to all come together and just enjoy the day."

Gates open at Etihad Stadium on Sunday at 9.30am, with the women's match beginning at 10.10am.

Children under the age of 15 will be offered free tickets before 11am.
 
The match will be streamed live on the AFL website.
 
Fans at the ground can listen to match commentary via VWFL Radio via online: vwfl.com.au.

Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol