The prospect of a women's league has been sending waves across the country in recent years.
Now with eight teams locked in to play in the inaugural 2017 season, and drafts set to be held in October, the dream is beginning to look like a reality for some of the country’s best.
“I’m one of the older players, and honestly playing state was exciting enough. To be able to play at national level – well, that’d be just amazing,” Jaylene says.
Jaylene has been playing Aussie Rules for ten years, kicking goals for the NT as a full-forward and ruck.
“I knew that eventually one day there would be a national league, and women would be paid.”
“But I never thought it would be in my time,” she says.
Born and bred in Darwin, Jaylene has welcomed news that the NT will merge with the Adelaide Crows to make one of the league’s eight teams.
And she’s optimistic she can make the cut.
“I‘m hopeful," she says.
“The fact that the opportunity is here, I’m taking it with both hands and training my hardest."
Jaylene says she hopes a Territory team will lead to higher Indigenous representation.
Jaylene Chevalier wearing her number 28 jersey. Source: Supplied
"The NT is full of such amazing talent, and you look at some of the Indigenous girls and they should definitely be playing at that national level," she says.
The NT will commence a talent search in July before the October draft.
The league kicks off in February for an eight-week season, and culminates with a grand-final in late March.
Other clubs to make the 2017 season are the Brisbane Lions, Greater Western Sydney Giants, Carlton, Collingwood, Melbourne Demons, Western Bulldogs and Fremantle.
A total of 13 clubs made submissions to establish a women's team, but the AFL said it would work with those who missed out, with the view of expanding the league in years to come.
Jaylene Chevalier with the NT's Chief Minister Adam Giles and the other AFL hopefuls. Source: Supplied
