Australian representative and North Cairns player-coach Jo Butland is fearful the AFL Cairns Women's League has moved too fast for its own good ahead of tonight's season launch.
The competition will run alongside the men's league, having run relatively successfully as a summer series in the past.
Butland's Norths have been the dominant side in the league and despite officials saying all sides will have enough numbers, she is concerned resources of clubs and the league itself will be stretched too far.
"It was seperate in the past because we knew we couldn't compete with the likes of soccer and netball," Butland, who has played AFL and soccer for Australia, said.
"I'm concerned if we can't compete and there are forfeits, it will turn some of our talented players away. But the move had to be made at some stage and I hope it can be sustainable."
League president Cate Mahoney agreed there would be challenges with the new system but implored clubs to do their best to set it in place.
Mahoney was confident all five teams, including new addition Pyramid Power, would field full sides.
"I hope all the teams are on board and hopefully some of those girls can go on and feature in the All Stars clashes scheduled (at Gold Coast and Tasmania) this season," she said. "And we encourage the clubs to work with their junior girls teams to create a pathway through."
Tonight, Souths host Manunda at Fretwell Park at 6.30 and North Cairns meet Centrals Trinity Beach at Crathern Park at 7.15. Power have a bye.
Last Modified on 06/11/2014 15:05