Anderson told afl.com.au that the ultimate goal is to see a female field or boundary umpire officiating at the highest level.
“One of our best goal umpires is Chelsea Roffey, so we’d love to see some others make the elite level," he said.
“Obviously there are intense physical and mental demands on field umpires, but they’re demands that could be met by women.”
Anderson commented after Western Bulldogs board member Susan Alberti called for the introduction of female field umpires in the AFL.
Alberti stated such a move would help stamp out fights, offensive language, sledging, staging and umpire abuse.
“It could change the culture of football,” Ms Alberti told the Herald Sun.
“It won't change the boys from playing tough.
“I think they might just think a little bit more about how they conduct themselves on the field.”
Anderson has first-hand experience that suggests this could be the case.
“Having been umpired by some females in my time as a player, I thought the players were, if anything, more respectful,” he said.
“So that might not be a bad thing.”
When it comes to recruiting effective umpires, Anderson said gender should not be a consideration.
“It comes down to being able to do the job well - make good decisions, be fit enough to get to the contests, and have the right temperament,” he added.
“There’s no reason why women shouldn’t be able to do that as well as a number of the blokes.
“We want more women involved in the game at all levels, but with umpires we particularly need them to be coming through to state league level and pushing up into the ranks that are pushing up towards AFL level.”
Alberti’s idea has also drawn support from Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade and North Melbourne player Drew Petrie, who said a good grounding was the most important aspect for any umpire.
“As long as they do their time through the ranks, I've got no problem at all with any gender umpiring football.”
