Ballarat Football and Netball League operations manager Aaron Nunn said the aim was to get its own competition up and running within the space of five to eight years.

“That’s the goal,” he said.

“If we could get six teams, that would be enough.”

Three BFNL clubs have lodged expressions of interest to have open-age teams in the newly structured AFL Victoria women’s league next season – Lake Wendouree, Golden Point and Redan.

Each is keen to provide a pathway for players graduating from the BFNL youth girls, which is predominantly an under-18 competition.

North Ballarat Eagles represented the city in the former Victorian Women’s Football League last season, but they appear unlikely to continue.

Ballarat was originally looking to set up a women’s team under the Goldfields regional banner.

Nunn said it had been determined club-based teams were the best option, with clubs having ownership.

Nunn said the BFNL was planning to run an information session for women interested in playing in open-age teams.

AFL Victoria will manage all women’s open-age football competitions in a divisional structure.

This will consist of a state/premier League, plus first, second and third divisions.

Each competition would consist of 14-18 rounds and would run between April and September.

THE BFNL’s youth girls competition is set to grow next year.

Nunn said another two or three teams might be added to the 2013 league

of 10 teams.

He said two Riddell District Football League clubs had expressed interest.

The Maryborough Castlemaine District league is also considering  entering a combined team.