AN AFL Women’s competition marquee player is encouraging south-west footballers to make the most of talent pathway programs at their disposal. Collingwood forward Moana Hope spoke to emerging female players about their options at a free football festival in Warrnambool on Friday. South Warrnambool was the first Hampden league club to add a women’s side to its ranks in 2016. The Roosters believe the formation of a national women’s league will encourage more south-west clubs to follow their path. Hope said teenage players could fast-track their development through various programs. “I think that AFL Vic is doing an amazing job with their academies,” she said. “I know they’ve got youth girls academies and all these different teams that are developing the girls. “I think if they get the opportunity to put their hands up for an academy, even if it means unfortunately having to ask their parents to drive them a little bit further being in the country, then do that because there is that opportunity now for them to play in the AFL. “It is phenomenal (the interest in the sport) and it’s just going to keep expanding, the more there is a want for teams in the country areas.” Hope joined Collingwood as one of its marquee players for the eight-team 2016 season after a string of eye-catching exhibition match performances in Western Bulldogs’ colours and consistent form for VFL side St Kilda Sharks. Four-time Darebin Falcons premiership player Nicky Callinan, also in Warrnambool for the free football festival, is eyeing a spot on an AFL list via the October 12 draft.