Over 50 of the country’s most talented female footballers were welcomed to the Essendon Football Club for the Bombers’ inaugural VFLW training session in an historic afternoon on Tuesday. 

CEO Xavier Campbell and senior men’s coach John Worsfold were on hand to address the players, highlighting the importance of the club’s entry into the world of female football.

Campbell said the significance of the occasion was not lost on the club.

“Welcome to the Essendon Football Club, this is one of the most significant days in our history and I say that really sincerely,” Campbell said.

“From this moment forward we’re not the Essendon Football Club men’s team, we’re the Essendon Football Club and that means a lot to us.”

Worsfold also acknowledged that the squad would be a “big part of the footy club” and encouraged the players to grasp the opportunity at hand.

“I know you’ll be anxious and nervous, but just lap it up,” Worsfold said.

“You’ve got a great opportunity to use one of the best facilities in the AFL.” 

The women were also given a welcome to country from Wurundjeri elder Uncle Bill Nicholson as they took the field for the very first time.

VFL Operations Manager Ashley Brown was thrilled to have the team on the park after the long process of establishing the team and gathering the squad.

“To be able to take our inaugural women’s football team out onto the track for their first training session is a very exciting time for the club,” Brown said.

“For a new group to come in and feel welcome and embraced the way they have is really important.”

VFLW coach Brendan Major said it was a big evening for everyone involved, and highlighted his love for the training track.

“I love taking a player of a certain standard and just being able to work with them and watching them grow over the course of weeks, months and years,” Major said.

“That’s really why I do this job.”