AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has been forced to personally apologise to fans at Ikon Park due to the madness unfolding at the first game of the women’s league.

Carlton played Collingwood in the season-opener and judging by the public’s acceptance of the new competition, women’s footy is here to stay.

The match was declared a lock-out, with police refusing to let thousands of waiting fans into the stadium because it had reached its capacity of approximately 20,000.

McLachlan made his way outside the gates and apologised to supporters unable to make their way inside to witness the historic occasion.

Gillon McLachlan tells mad/proud-as fans that the crowd is full 'YOU SHOULD HAVE MOVED IT TO ETIHAD!' 'I KNOW THAT!' #AFWL pic.twitter.com/lNo9Q8O9YH — Jess O'Callaghan (@jessocallaghan) February 3, 2017

The match was initially scheduled to take place at Collingwood’s training ground at Olympic Park in Melbourne, but when it became clear interest was far exceeding what was expected, the AFL moved the match to Ikon Park.

But even that wasn’t enough to satisfy the appetite of footy fans hungry for action after a long pre-season. McLachlan said he apologised because he wanted the estimated 1000-2000 fans left outside to understand officials closed the gates for safety reasons.

“I just went outside when the police made the decision to close the gates to apologise to everyone and hope they understood we made the decision for safety reasons,” McLachlan said. “We didn’t quite anticipate this crowd and it’s fabulous.

“It’s exciting, I want to thank everyone who’s come and who’s watching ... it’s been a really amazing response, we’ve been overwhelmed with the turnout tonight.

“The atmosphere is amazing, everyone’s here, nobody’s gone and it’s been a fun night.”

FULL HOUSE for the first @aflwomens match! And who said female football wouldn't pull a crowd? #AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/LKz67fwJJt — AFL Victoria Female (@AFLVicFemale) February 3, 2017

This is the queue still waiting to get in to the #aflw almost 5 minutes after start time! pic.twitter.com/NlQ21ZYeN6 — Clementine Ford (@clementine_ford) February 3, 2017

The view from outside the #AFLWBluesPies match. Lock out and there's at least 5,000 people outside!! And they are not leaving!! pic.twitter.com/4lM4CkyxQV — Peter Holden (@BrekkyDJ) February 3, 2017

Wowsers. Couldn't even get into the stadium. Shattered but also so happy for women's sport #AFLWBluesPies — Alexandra Gummer (@gummmybear3) February 3, 2017

Plenty of people waiting to get in 👌🏻#AFLWBluesPies pic.twitter.com/0LgJvzIQYJ — Kristen Alebakis (@krissyalebakis) February 3, 2017

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said thousands more had attended the suburban footy ground than expected.

“We moved the game from Olympic Park because we knew it was going to be bigger than 6000 or 7000. We were thinking at the start of the week 12,000 or so but it’s just got bigger and bigger and unfortunately the police basically took the view, and I think we had the same view, that it was getting pretty full,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Tonight is really the day that AFL football is for everybody.

“It’s an exciting day for football ... what’s surprised everybody is the noise, the support of the crowd has just been fantastic.”

Carlton won the historic match 46-11, and gun Blues player Darcy Vescio was thrilled at her first experience of footy in such an incredible atmosphere.

“That was insane, just the crowd and how fast it was,” she said. “The roar, you could hardly hear anything out here, it was just amazing.

“That’s what it’s all about, we just want people to see us play.”

Those who did it get in to Ikon Park were rewarded with a high-octane and physical contest which, despite the low score, had the capacity crowd hooked from the outset. Vescio announced herself as a star of the game, booting four goals and taking a number of high-flying grabs in a clear best-on-ground performance.

The 23-year-old marquee selection kicked two majors in the first quarter to give the Blues the early lead, stealing the spotlight from Collingwood star Moana Hope, who was kept goalless.

Former Matildas goalkeeper Brianna Davey was also outstanding for the Blues, racking up 26 disposals and a goal off half-back.

The Blues took a 15-point lead into half-time and never looked back, restricting the Magpies to a solitary goal despite valiant efforts from Stephanie Chiocci and Caitlyn Edwards.

With some of the players having only played a handful of games in their life, it was a nervy start from both sides before Magpies forward Jasmine Garner booted the first goal of the competition.

But it was obvious from the first stoppage that this would be far from a friendly encounter.

There were heavy bumps, fierce tackles and enough sore players to keep both teams’ trainers working overtime.

Magpies midfielder Emma Grant left the ground at the main break with a concussion and teammate Stacey Livingstone (shoulder) followed soon after.

— with Michael Ramsey, AAP