FOSTERING the women's game in regional areas is a key aspect of proposals by Geelong and North Melbourne to field teams in next season's AFL women's league.

Both clubs had already started work to develop female talent in supporter bases away from their headquarters before the AFL’s invitations for clubs to bid for licences.

Geelong plans to continue growing participation levels in the Greater Geelong area, around Colac and other the Western District towns and on the Bellarine Peninsula.

North Melbourne will duplicate its community facility, The Huddle, at Werribee in Melbourne’s west, in conjunction with Wyndham City Council and at the Tasmanian base in Hobart if it's granted one of the eight club licences for the proposed eight-team 2017 women's competition.

AFL clubs must submit a development plan and associated financial plan that demonstrate suitability in administration, business development, football operations, strategic relevance and a broader commitment to female football. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 29.

The Cats' proposal will also highlight the expanded football department as part of the $90 million development at Simonds Stadium. The next stage, due for completion early next year, will treble the available space for administration and training facilities.

The club, which has worked diligently over the past 15 years to clear a once-massive debt, will emphasise its proven track record on delivering on its promises, including adding light towers and the current Brownlow Stand redevelopment.

The Kangaroos have employed Melbourne University women's club president Laura Kane to manage its women's football at Arden Street headquarters. The Roos and Melbourne University women's team have had an agreement since 2010 to share staff and use training facilities.

While a St Kilda women's team would be accommodated at the club's Seaford base next season, the Saints would provide separate facilities in the proposed shift back to Moorabbin at the end of 2017.

As previously reported, Collingwood will also lodge a bid. Hawthorn is the only Victorian club so far to rule out a pitch for a women's team in the new national league.

The AFL Commission is likely to grant licences to four Victorian clubs, with the other teams in South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales.

The Crows in Adelaide and the Lions in Brisbane are likely to be the headquarters for teams in South Australia and Queensland respectively.