It’s a rivalry that dates back to the 19^th century and has been punctuated by moments that live in the memory for a lifetime.

Essendon and Carlton are among football’s most bitter rivals.

From John Coleman’s clash with Harry Caspar, to Kevin Sheedy bringing his distaste of the Blues across from Punt Road, to the 1993 Grand Final and so many more moments – this fierce rivalry has triggered delight and despair for generations of football fans.

And this storied rivalry could be about to enter an exciting new phase.

The Bombers are keen to face the Blues in their inaugural AFLW match.

The Dons were among several clubs to present their case for an AFLW license for the 2019 season this week.

The Blues finished fourth in the first season of the competition.

Essendon has registered record membership this season, while it boasts the second highest home game attendance rate in the competition.

The Club already boasts one of the biggest footprints in Australian sport on its 100,000 sq. m. training base in Tullamarine and there are plans for further expansion, while the AFL has also earmarked the Bombers headquarters as a future venue for AFLW games.

The Dons have also stated their desire to focus their recruiting on their Next Generation Academy zone areas in the north west of Melbourne and Tiwi Islands and West Arnhem in the Northern Territory.

Female participation numbers in the Essendon District Football League (EDFL) have more than doubled in the last 12 months at under 15 level and quadrupled at under 12 level.

The Riddell District Football League (RDFL) has also experienced significant growth since 2016.