The AFL Commission will next week pave the way for creation of the national women's league, with the first season to start in March 2017, consisting of at least six clubs and the potential for a national draft to establish the historic year one.

With most Victorian AFL clubs furiously jockeying for just four women's licences, and teams from Western Australia and Queensland, the commission faces the dilemma of whether or not it can afford to establish a national competition without a team from South Australia.

Leading lights: Melbourne and Western Bulldogs played two exhibition games this year. Credit:Getty Images

With Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs long considered certain foundation clubs, strong challenges have emerged from Carlton, Essendon, Richmond, Geelong, St Kilda and Collingwood.

The Magpies are understood to have put forward a strong submission to the AFL, and will hold talks with league officials this week regarding the logistics of a Collingwood women's team.