The Geelong Cats have begun discussions with key stakeholders around the entry of a women’s team into the proposed AFL women’s competition.

The AFL is expected to launch the competition in 2017, and the Cats have already met with AFL management and AFL Barwon to discuss how the Cats and the league would benefit by the inclusion of a Geelong team.

Geelong coach Chris Scott was at the forefront of pushing for a women’s team last August.

"There's a huge appetite within the region for a women's team,” Scott said. “There's high participation rates and the club, in principle, is very, very supportive.

"Some people within the region are very keen to see Geelong have some representation in the women's game. So there is a groundswell of support, and as a club we're well and truly behind it.

"Hopefully it happens soon."

With the league hopeful of launching in 2017, all interested clubs are moving quickly to ascertain the feasibility of being involved in the inaugural season.

Women’s football in the Geelong region is growing rapidly, with North Geelong winning promotion to the Victorian premier league competition for 2016, and with the establishment of junior competitions starting at under-12 level.

Young girls also populate local Auskick centres and have a huge presence at clinics run by the Cats during football season.