The dream of a career playing AFL could be about to come true for a select group of talented women.
More than 100 women were invited to join the female AFL High Performance Academy at IKON Park, Carlton with a view to establishing an AFL women's league in 2017.
AFL Victoria Female Football Manager Darren Flanigan said the enthusiasm from recruits drafted into the academy was overwhelming.
"Of 114 we invited to join, 109 said yes within two days," he told SBS News.
"So it shows there is a real keenness for the girls to do some high performance training."
The academy has been given access to coaching staff, players and facilities at a number of Melbourne-based AFL clubs, with the hopes of churning out enough elite level players for a draft at the end of 2016.
The size and scope of the AFL women's league is yet to be decided but it's estimated 90 players will be coming out of Victoria.
Victorian Women's Football Academy coach Graham Burgen said with more than 100 women in the academy, it was clear not all would make the cut.
"There's a bit of work to be done and there's a bit of a gap between the top 40 and the next 60 so we're hoping to close that gap," he told SBS News.
The academy recruits have been plucked from all walks of life including netballers, soccer players, hairdressers and even doctors like Tiarna Ernst, who works at the Monash Medical Centre.
After training Tiarna Ernst will go to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton for the nightshift on the maternity ward.
"I'm in obstetrics and gynaecology so I'll be delivering babies all night," she told SBS News.
"There's not much free time in the day that's for sure but I love it."
Daisy Pearce played in the two women's AFL exhibition matches this year, but said the academy was a whole new level for women in the sport.
Players train at the Womens AFL academy at IKON Park Carlton. (SBS News) Source: SBS News
"It's the first time we've had an elite program like this, we've had versions of it but it's gone to the next level now," she told SBS News.
"Everyone is just thirsty to learn.
"I thought I was going to play AFL footy, I thought that was going to be my career, until I got to about 10 or 11 years old and I realised my dream wasn't going to come true because I was a girl. Now to be 27 and for that to become a reality is incredible."
The academy has even attracted overseas players like Canadian Kendra Heil, who played AFL at home.
"I'm happy it's really intense and really exciting," she told SBS News.
"It's a hard game and there's lots to learn."
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