A government task force is assessing a series of stadium and precinct proposals expected to significantly impact the face of elite and community spectator sport across Victoria.

As reported by Fairfax Media in July, AFL rivals Richmond and Carlton are each pitching for multimillion-dollar government support to transform their old home grounds at Punt Road and Princes Park.

Victorian Sports Minister John Eren this week told Fairfax Media the working party hoped to have decisions finalised by the end of the year.

"We have a process in place to make sure we protect our title as the sporting capital and having the best sporting infrastructure. That's why as a government we are focusing in on what we need in the short-term, medium- and long-term," he said.

"Clearly, there have been a number of submissions government have received and we are going through them one by one and discussing them with the various stakeholders.

"Things are progressing quite well at the moment, so we are hoping by the end of the year we will have something to say about the way forward."

This includes a $300 million upgrade of the 17-year-old Etihad Stadium. The AFL, the private owner of the venue, is pitching for major funding.

"It all depends on the other stakeholders involved. The AFL have their own ideas about what they would like to see at Etihad, and it's a matter of finding middle ground with government," Eren said.

"You have got to consider it is a privately owned facility, unlike other sporting grounds we have, which are publicly owned. We certainly want the best stadiums in the world to be right here in Melbourne."

The costing for the Etihad Stadium plan was due to have been released in July but has been delayed. The government did not allocate any funds in this year's budget, preferring to primarily focus on the $271.5 million third-stage redevelopment of Melbourne Park.

Eddie McGuire's suggestion of a new $1 billion stadium near the MCG was not considered because there was no official submission.

Central to several of the proposals will be ensuring they are equipped for men's and women's sports, particularly with AFLW and VFLW expanding.

Carlton's Ikon Park has emerged as one proposed home of AFLW. It's understood the Blues have discussed their proposal at a state and federal level. Proposals have also been put forward by other clubs, including the Western Bulldogs who could develop the Whitten Oval and their second home venue at Ballarat.

"That [AFLW] is also a matter for the AFL. Ikon Park is pretty good but that's up for discussion. There are some various ideas about where all that should be. Maybe it's a couple of grounds that will accommodate [AFLW]," Eren said.

"Any stadium that is over 3000 capacity is being looked at. We are looking not only in Melbourne but broadly as well ... Simonds Stadium is probably the MCG of regional Victoria. It's about Eureka Stadium at Ballarat, it's about Simonds Stadium at Geelong - it's about all the stadia we have and how we can improve on it."

The need for better facilities for women's football comes as it was confirmed nine of Victoria's 10 AFL clubs will have teams in the VFLW next season. The Blues, Tigers, Collingwood, Essendon and St Kilda will now be among those clubs with stand-alone teams.

North Melbourne will not have a stand-alone side but already have a relationship with VFLW club Melbourne University.

Nine clubs have confirmed their participation in VFLW division one, with several existing clubs to make a call by the end of the month.

Blues AFLW coach Damien Keeping said the new licence would strengthen the pathway for women's football.

"The VFLW program will work alongside our senior women's side, meaning there will be a strong continuity and alignment for our players in the program," he said.

The Magpies will have former AFLW defender Penny Cula-Reid as coach of the VFLW side.

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said the Bombers would also establish a pathway for junior female talent with the Calder Cannons.

"We are committed to providing a positive contribution to the development of the game at a grassroots level. Our VFLW team will also train and play at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn and, when the fixture allows, our VFLW players will return to play for their local clubs," he said.

The Bombers were overlooked for an AFLW licence last month but will be able to reapply in time for the 2021 campaign.