Gardiner says a new W-League team is fundamental to the creation of a modern, professional football club for the Southern region.

“Southern have always talked about our vision for ‘One Club’ - both A-League and W-League,” Gardiner said today.

“A key platform of our bid is equality for our boys and girls and men and women. We will be undertaking talent ID, establishing a free academy for our most talented juniors and providing world-class training facilities so our female players are given the same opportunities as our men.

"We see this as crucial to increase the involvement of women at all levels of the game.

“In seeking a new A-League licence, we have pushed in our submission for a W-League licence at the same time to ensure that our focus on equality and opportunity is realised from our first year of operation.

“We want to field a W-League team in 2019/20, alongside our A-League team and we have made it clear we are willing to put money into that offer to make it happen.”

Former Matildas Julie Murray and Di Cleary are spearheading Southern W-League’s bid, acting as women’s game ambassadors for the proposed new club.

Murray said they both are passionate about bringing W-League to the Southern region with growing momentum for an expanded W-League competition.

“A new W-League side is crucial to the growth of the women’s game,” she said.

“Southern Expansion is the perfect vehicle to bring equality, innovation and opportunity to the competition for our female players.

“With the young female talent and experienced players from three Associations located in our region, we are in a perfect position to take the W-League to the next level,”