The Tiwi women could have a side in the WPL in 21-22 if a series of exhibition matches succeed

A Tiwi Bombers women’s side in the WPL is one of several subjects up for discussion between the league and the club after a series of exhibition games in Darwin

Tiwi Bombers women’s star Jamie-Lee Puautjimi in action for Diamond Valley in Melbourne.

A TIWI Bombers side in the Women’s Premier League has moved a step closer.

AFLNT officials have pencilled in six exhibition games involving the Tiwis, sides from the WPL and Division 2 and Big Rivers premiers the Arnhem Crows.

The Bombers meet Nightcliff’s Division 2 side on Friday night in the first match of their exhibition series.

A Tiwi side in the WPL would eliminate the bye and bring the islanders’ hard running game to the league.

But AFLNT community football manager Leigh Elder stopped short of saying the Tiwi women would be automatic starters in 21-22.

“It’s really a case of a trial period where we’ll see what it looks like,’’ Elder said.

“Once this season is completed, along with the exhibition games, we’ll sit down with the club and see what it looks like.

“Of course there is an opportunity (for a Tiwi women’s side), but it depends on what the model looks like going forward.’’

The final siren on grand final day will signal the start of serious negotiations on whether a Tiwi women’s side is a viable proposition.

“That’s when we’ll open up all conversations and all possibilities as part of the end of season review,’’ Elder said.

“The most important part of that is how does the club see itself in order to move forward.’’

Elder said demise of the men’s side after a winless 20-21 campaign was part of footy.

“Someone has to finish on the bottom and unfortunately for the Tiwis it’s their turn.

“But we certainly know they’ve got the talent, capability and people behind it that want to be successful.’’