Essendon Chairman, Lindsay Tanner, says the Club’s recent financial result will allow it to increase investment across its football programs.

Building a strong and viable VFLW team is a vital stepping stone in the Club’s commitment to securing an AFLW licence. 

Speaking at the 2017 Members Forum, Tanner said the VFLW program would be a key focus moving forward in 2018.

“We will continue to invest in women’s football, and build the pathway for us, and next week marks the first official training session for our VFLW team,” Tanner said.

“Make no mistake, this is a historic moment for our club. We will watch their progress with interest over the summer, and we look forward to watching the VFLW team run out for their first match in the famous red sash.

Tanner has also placed the Club’s Next Generation Academy zones high on the agenda, to ensure talented players from the Club’s heartland and remote communities are identified.

“We must create pathways for girls and boys from the remote communities of the Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem Land and the North West of Melbourne to achieve their dreams of playing AFL or AFLW one day,” Tanner said.

“Our players and coaches recently returned from visiting the remote communities of the Tiwi Islands and Maningrida.

“All are inspired and excited about the positive impact our Club and football is having on the young boys and girls in these communities.”