The Club would like to issue the following statement on behalf of Chief Executive Officer, Xavier Campbell:

First and foremost, the Essendon Football Club would like to congratulate Geelong, North Melbourne, St Kilda, West Coast, Gold Coast and Richmond on being granted AFLW licences for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

The successful Clubs have a wonderful opportunity to grow the game of women’s football on a national level, and continue the positive momentum generated in the inaugural AFLW season.

However, the Club is extremely disappointed in the AFL’s decision not to award the Club an AFLW licence for the 2019 or 2020 seasons.

We are also frustrated there is no clear line of sight on when the AFL will decide to expand the women’s competition beyond 2020.

The Club believes it presented a compelling case focusing on growing women’s football in two important geographic regions of Australia, and outlined the important social and community outcomes which could be achieved as a flow on effect of being granted an AFLW licence.

The Club was also confident of delivering an economically sound and self-sufficient women’s football program from year one.

This decision has missed a wonderful opportunity to fast track the development of the rich talent pools of the remote communities of the Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem Land, and Australia’s largest population growth corridor, North West Melbourne.

We will continue to provide women from the remote communities of the Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem Land and North West Melbourne with a pathway to achieve their dreams of playing AFLW, and remain committed to entering a team in the VFLW competition as early as next season.

Today’s decision will not impact our passion to grow, develop and invest in aspiring young female footballers, or more broadly the game of women's football.