THE AFL is pleased to announce the appointment of a Women’s Football Advisory Group.

Chaired by AFL Commissioner Major General Simone Wilkie, the 10-member group will meet quarterly to provide input in the inaugural national women’s competition which will commence in 2017.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development Simon Lethlean said the panel will help shape recommendations for the new league.

“We feel there is a diverse mix of business leadership, coaches, players and football industry experience amongst the members to help guide our key decisions in the coming months,” he said.

“Concepts will be presented to the group and their feedback will assist in the development and operations of both the league and the continued expansion of the female football pathway.”

The Women’s Football Advisory Group will first meet on Thursday May 5.

Women’s Football Advisory Group

Major Gen Simone Wilkie – Chair and AFL Commissioner

Libby Gorr – media commentator             

Debbie Lee – past player and stateswoman of female football                  

Susan Alberti – Western Bulldogs board member

Michelle Cowan – Melbourne Football Club assistant coach

Craig Starcevich – AFL Queensland female football talent manager

Holly Ransom – Port Adelaide Football Club board member

Jane Woodlands-Thompson – SANFL commission

Xavier Clarke – NT Thunder coach

Darcy Vescio – VFL Womens player

The AFL will launch a national women’s competition in early 2017.

Friday April 29 is the deadline for AFL clubs to submit applications for a women’s team.

This year a series of women’s exhibition matches have been played featuring players who were members of state-based talent academies.

Results of matches already played:

Western Bulldogs defeated Melbourne on March 6

South Australia Blue defeated South Australia Red on April 12

Sydney Swans defeated GWS Giants on April 9

West Coast defeated Fremantle on April 9

Northern Territory defeated Tasmania on April 10

Brisbane Lions defeated Gold Coast Suns on April 16

Remaining matches:

Sunday May 22

Melbourne v Queensland at the MCG, 10.40am

Sunday June 5

Western Bulldogs v Western Australia at Etihad Stadium, 12.40pm

South Australia v New South Wales at Adelaide Oval, 1.10pm

Hampson-Hardeman Cup

Saturday September 3

Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at venue tbc, 7.20pm