As the state’s top 10 footballers flew out for their first taste of the AFLW experience, AFL Tasmania held a prelude to its first academy intake ahead of the official launch.

The inaugural women’s academy squad that trained for the first time on Saturday morning at the University of Tasmania Stadium are assured of its pathway heading towards the landmark female national competition. 

But players who don’t meet the 18-and-under age criteria could be playing off for spots with Victoria’s next best players outside the AFLW on Sunday.

Tasmanians to include Launceston’s Georgia Hill, Courtney Stanley, Maggie Cuthbertson, Danika Corcoran and Daria Bannister, will join forces with Melbourne University to face Victorian premiers Darebin.

The clash will follow the AFL preseason game between North Melbourne and Hawthorn at Arden Street.

Burnie Docker Meagan Kiely, who previously played for Launceston, said that her state teammates were under no illusion they were playing for their football future.

“This is the probably the biggest opportunity for players over 18 to show what they’ve got,” Kiely said.

“We’re sure there will be a few AFLW clubs watching or watch the playbacks.

“So this is definitely a sort of an audition for them.” 

The AFLW has predicted that statistically five Tasmanians will reach the upper echelon of the game.

But in last year’s inaugural draft, just three Tasmanians were selected to AFL clubs from the North West coast.

“I think they are expecting a 10 to 20 per cent turnover in the lists,” Kiely said.

“So it’s a slim opportunity, but it’s definitely still there.

“A couple of girls playing (on Sunday) are included in the Tassie under-18 academy, so they at least have another chance.”

Kiely added she expected Sunday’s experience in front of thousands at North Melbourne’s spiritual home is going to “further our football games and promote female football across the state”.

AFL Tasmania development manager Leigh Elder said the inclusions from Launceston was a “big tick” for the club and female football in the region. 

“The amount coming from Launceston-based players is a reflection of the upcoming talent within that region,” he said on the annoucement