Essendon Football Club has officially lodged its submission for an AFLW license to enter the competition in 2019.

Bombers Captain Dyson Heppell personally delivered the application to AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan at AFL headquarters today.

“It was a historic and proud moment to officially hand over our submission for an AFLW license on behalf of the Club,” Heppell said.

“Essendon has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, I know what this Club stands for and I know that our submission is both genuine and compelling.

“Everyone from the players to the Board is right behind the submission and we think we have a unique and exciting proposition that will be hard for the AFL to ignore.

“I’ve seen first hand the Club’s commitment to developing the game in the Northern Territory and in the North West corridor of Melbourne, two pathways one dream is now a reality.

“AFLW is our next frontier and it’s a honour to be a part of it.”

Essendon’s bid was launched last week with talented female footballers Michaela Long and Georgia Patrikios detailing how their very different pathways have led them to the Bombers.

The Club’s submission is underpinned by a commitment to grow the game in remote Northern Territory communities.  As part of this Essendon plans to stage the first ever AFLW game in a remote indigenous community.

Essendon will continue its commitment to developing the game on its doorstep, the north west region of Melbourne, by also staging a game in Craigieburn.

Olympic Gold Medallist and number one ticket holder Kim Brennan will lead the establishment of the Club’s unique athlete support program that will benefit all players that fall under the Essendon banner.

There is also a proposed $18 million expansion of the Club’s existing footprint at Melbourne Airport that will cater for an AFLW and Next Generation Academy program.

The AFL is expected to announce the successful bidders next month.

For more details on the bid click here.