An off-field western derby style battle is brewing for arch rivals West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers to win historic rights to have the first AFL women's team from Western Australia.

West Coast and Dockers management could be forced into bidding submissions to have the only team from the west in next year's landmark AFL female league.

The success of the Western Bulldogs' clash with Melbourne last year has helped provide the impetus for a new AFL women's league - but could they ever line up in a mixed team? Credit:Getty Images

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has briefed all clubs on plans for up to an eight-team league from next season with extensive growth plans for late into this decade.

McLachlan will release details and documents on required criteria for clubs to bid for a women's league position later this month or immediately after the AFL Commission's scheduled April meeting.