Hawthorn will not bid for the right to form a women's team, making it the only Victorian AFL club to opt out of the new national league.

In a brief article posted on the Hawthorn website, CEO Stuart Fox says the club wants to focus on participation, talent pathways and coaching for girls and women.

The Bulldogs and Melbourne are thought to be among the front-runners for the national women's league. Credit:Getty Images

Fox said the Hawks were pleased the AFL was developing a national women's competition, which will start in 2017, but would not be joining most of the other clubs in applying to host a team.