Carlton coach Brendon Bolton has hailed the club’s decision to bid for a women’s AFL side.

Friday is the deadline for clubs to submit applications to join the new national women’s AFL league to kick off in 2017.

Trailblazing clubs Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are frontrunners to be granted two of the expected four licences for Victorian AFL clubs.

With only Essendon and Hawthorn ruling themselves out of bidding for Victorian licences, AFL head office has some difficult decisions to make on which teams to accept into the new competition.

The Blues are applying with the full support of their men’s side, Bolton saying the prospect of a Carlton women’s side joining the club excites him.

“We want to be a diverse Carlton,” he said.

“What that means is our members can see themselves in our club.

“If our members can see female participation, I think that’s really important for us.

“I’d be excited if that happens because (that) truly represents a diverse Carlton.”