Adelaide, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will also declare whether they approve of the six rounds-two-weeks-of-finals competition model proposed for the female league, or want to push for an alternative.

The AFL's proposed format  for an eight-week women's season is highly unusual given it does not see every side meet at least once before finals. This could change, however, if participating clubs feel strongly enough and table alternative competition structure. They will also tell the AFL where they most want to play. Commercial chiefs from the eight clubs that won inaugural women's team licences were briefed by the AFL last Friday.

While the presidents of Collingwood and Carlton have already mooted an old-foes clash for what will be an historic season launch match, the February kick-off might be a double header involving the AFL club women's footy pioneers and other Victorian based sides Melbourne and the Bulldogs.

Intent on maximising attendances and exposure, the AFL has a blank canvas mindset around many key elements of the women's league.

A Monday night, after-work, family-friendly setting at Collingwood's central Melbourne Holden Centre home base is one option being floated.

The AFL even canvassed a conference competition format for the women, but that's highly unlikely to be the preference of the clubs that won licences.

It's expected women's matches will be played before and after men's NAB Challenge games and the AFL wants the women's grand final to be at a major venue.

The plan is to commence the women's AFL league once the Australian Open concludes.

With the men's AFL NAB Challenge games – now played in regional settings - not expected to be set for another two months, the female competition stands to be a major influence.

Adelaide will play a portion of its female games in Australia's Top End given its Northern Territory partnership and GWS is expected to request at least one of its women's games take place in Canberra.

Clubs will inform the AFL on Thursday their five most desired players – listing them in order of preference.

The AFL will select two 'marquee' players for each team – each will earn $25,000 for playing and more through supplementary employment and ambassadorial roles – aiming to construct as even a league as possible.

Players as good as locked in with clubs already

Adelaide – Kellie Gibson (employed by club)

Brisbane – Tayla Harris (employed by club)

Carlton – Darcy Vescio (employed by club), Lauren Arnell (Carlton women's footy ambassador and formerly employed by club)

Collingwood – Meg Hutchins (employed by club)

Greater Western Sydney – Maddy Collier (employed by AFLNSW)

Melbourne – Daisy Pearce (employed by club)

Western Bulldogs – Katie Brennan