ESSENDON will push to have a women's team when the competition expands in 2019, with the daughter of Bombers legend Michael Long set to be the face of the club's bid.
The AFL has ruled out growing the AFL Women's league next year despite a successful inaugural season in 2017, but a minimum of two teams will be added in 2019.
Essendon confirmed on Friday it would put forward a submission to the AFL to join the competition in its third season.
The Bombers also announced they intend to expand their Tullamarine base to cater for an AFLW team as well as invest into the club's Next Generation Academy program.
Essendon has proposed a $18 million facility upgrade to their already outstanding headquarters, which features two AFL-sized grounds and an indoor training base.
The Bombers expect a decision on their AFLW bid to be made by the AFL Commission next month. St Kilda and Geelong have already lobbied strongly to be included.
Essendon had indicated its keenness to be involved in the inaugural AFL Women's competition before pulling out of a bid at the start of 2016.
"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," CEO Xavier Campbell said.
"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."
Michaela Long, the daughter of Bombers premiership star and Norm Smith medallist Michael, will be at the forefront of Essendon's bid.
Long rejected offers from Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney to play as part of their AFLW sides because she wants to run out for the red and black.
She plays for St Mary's in Darwin but would be able to join the Bombers under the newly established father-daughter rule which was brought in ahead of the second AFLW season.
Her brother, Jake, joined the Bombers under the father-son rule and has played three games for the club – the final three rounds of last season.
Essendon has been an industry leader for women in football, with Beverly Knight joining the board as the first female club director in 1992 and the establishment of the Essendon Women’s Network and Football Woman of the Year Award.
An artist's impression of the Dons' upgrade to their Tullamarine headquarters. Picture supplied
