A capacity crowd of 24,500 packed into Princes Park tonight to watch history in the making, as the inaugural AFL women's league got off to a thrilling start.

Many football fans were forced to stand throughout the match, while others sat on the stadium's concrete steps, as old rivals Carlton and Collingwood clashed.

A lockout was imposed at quarter-time to avoid overcrowding, with those still lining up warned by officials they were "very unlikely to get in".

But that did not deter them, and at half time people were still queuing.

Entry to the match was free and AFL chief Gillon McLachlan apologised to disappointed fans who were unable to get in.

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Blues forward Darcy Vescio said the turnout was amazing.

"I think every girl who was out there tonight will just cherish that moment for the rest of their lives," she said.

Long-time fans of both clubs were impressed by the talent on show.

A dream come true for football fans

The game marks the beginning of a 28-match competition, which will be played at suburban centres in seven states and territories over seven weeks.

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Eight teams are competing for the inaugural premiership — Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Fremantle, Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney (GWS) and the Brisbane Lions.

Amateur footballer Brigitte Crouch got back into the game a few years ago and is now training four days a week with an academy.

She said being drafted into the league was "the dream".

"I played Auskick when I was five years old and then had to stop playing footy because there was just nowhere to go with it," she said.

"For a few years I played netball, I played tennis, I played a lot of different sport.

"To get back into it now and see that there's actually somewhere to go with it, it's incredible."

She said watching the women would be inspiring.

"To see that these women had these dreams as well and are living it, oh it's incredible, makes you think you can do it as well."

Magpies star Moana Hope flips Carlton supporter

Carlton supporter Janelle Irvine had rooted for the Pies.

She said she switched sides because of Pies player Moana Hope's inspirational story of caring for her disabled sister.

"I loved the fact she cared for her sister ... and her family values," she said.

Hope spearheaded the movement for a national women's AFL competition, with former Western Bulldogs vice-president Susan Alberti.

Ms Irvine said she was expecting a free-flowing contest.

"I watched the Bulldogs [versus] Melbourne game and the skills were fantastic and I thought they're really really good, were going to go to the first one," she said.

Collingwood supporter Jaron Lamaro said the atmosphere was incredible.

"The turnout in itself is getting me to cheer every goal, every kick, it's amazing," he said.

"It reminds me of the days back at Vic Park, suburban ground, everyone's there, everyone's happy, yeah it's great."

Amateur AFL footballer Brigitte Crouch (left) hopes to play at the elite level in the future. ( ABC News: James Hancock )

'They're hitting as hard as the men hit each other'

He said while not yet at the same standard as the men's competition, the play was still impressive.

"They're hitting as hard as the men hit each other, they're going as tough, as rough, they want the ball as much as the men do there's no doubt about that," he said.

"Obviously the kicks are dropping short a bit, kicks are floating in the air, you're not getting deliveries to the full forwards like the men do, but the skills are great."

Some very passionate fans show up at the game for Carlton midfielder Shae Audley. ( ABC News: James Hancock )

Julie Leister said the Blues' spirit was strong.

"I think they were a bit shaky at the start, but then they warmed up," she said.

"They have aspired for this since they were little girls and this is their opportunity to shine and they're absolutely shining."

Her friend and fellow Carlton fan Wendy Walters admitted she was surprised at the advanced skills on display.

"I think it is higher than what I thought because they do work full time, they've got jobs," she said.

"You can see they're really giving 110 per cent.

"It's like the old days, we used to sit here as Carlton members and the seats haven't changed really, the atmosphere takes us back."