"I think moving from something that's perhaps aspirational to this evidence-driven plan is really what we need to see to start creating the gains then ticking them off so that we can actually move towards some results."

Some may ask 'Isn't there already a women's plan in place?'

And there is.

In 2018, FFA looked to build on the Women’s Football Strategy implemented from 2014 to create new opportunities for clubs, member federations, governments, commercial partners, community organisations and the media to partner with women’s football.

The plan aligned with 2023 Women’s World Cup bid to leave a legacy on the sport. 

It also addressed critical issues at community levels including coaching, facilities, career pathways, commercial growth and the achievement of a 50-50 gender split in participation while at the professional level, the plan charted a course to close the gender pay gap, build a fully professional W-League and maintain the Matildas’ current position in world football.

However, this plan didn't drill down to any benchmarks, KPIs or measurements that need to be achieved to ensure Australia is on the correct path.

While Moriarty believes the plan is a critical aspect of helping grow Australian women's football, there is also another important area to focus on.

"I think the biggest driver is going to be leadership, and it's looking for leadership across the game to focus on women's football, recognising what's being said globally, which is that women's football is the game's big growth area," she said.

"But we need leadership within Australia within football, to recognise that, support it, and make it happen.

"We need everyone involved in football to see women's football as a really critical part of the development of the game. That's how it's being seen globally. I think we need to see it more that way."

Stay tuned for the final installment on Sunday when we look at what is next for women's football in Australia.