The Western Bulldogs today welcomed the AFL’s decision to grant the Club with a license to field a team in the National Women’s League.



The Bulldogs, along with seven other teams shared in a historic moment for women’s football, all being notified today of their successful submissions.



Building on four years in the current women’s exhibition series format, and over seven decades of involvement with women’s football previously, today marks a special day for the Western Bulldogs.



VIDEO: Hear from members of the 2016 Western Bulldogs' Women's Team about what the new AFL National Women's League means to them.



Chief Executive Officer David Stevenson said today’s announcement was a significant moment for women’s football.



“We are genuinely thrilled to be part of the inaugural women’s competition, for the Club, for our fans but mostly for the young women who now can realise their dreams of being professional footballers.



“The Club has a genuine commitment to creating an elite program for our female athletes, focusing on performance, innovation, experience and growth — and today’s announcement allows us to continue our leadership role in women’s football.”



“It wouldn’t have been possible without valuable contributions from our players, coaches and staff and I want to thank them for their unwavering attention and focus.”



“We operate under the 1 Club, 3 Teams banner — today marks the continuation of that, and subsequently the further growth of our football club.”



Next season's women's competition will feature six home-and-away rounds, with the top four playing two semi-finals and a Grand Final.



The Bulldogs were announced alongside Melbourne, Collingwood, Carlton, Fremantle, GWS, Adelaide and Brisbane as the foundation clubs of the competition.







Back at Bulldogs HQ, club staff receive the news we'll have a Women's Team in 2017. #bemorebulldog #3teams1club pic.twitter.com/mehHIX2vtY — Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) June 15, 2016