It's been a rapid growth for the competition that began four years ago with just eight clubs. At least 16 clubs from Melbourne's north have sought to join the competition this year.

The NFL represents football clubs throughout the north and north-eastern suburbs in junior and multiple divisions. The netball competition was introduced under the NFL umbrella in 2008 to bring more women and children into the league.

The NFL is sorting through applications, but spokesman Samuel Zito said it was expected at least seven more clubs would join the netball competition.

"It's expanded quicker than expected. It's just something that's happening naturally. We're really happy with what's happening," he said. "It's good to see partners of players going out to watch the netball, it's quite inclusive."

A Thursday morning competition may be added in this year's season, depending on the final number of new clubs approved.

A record crowd of 550 spectators attended last year's NFL netball grand final at RMIT Bundoora in September.

Netball Victoria Association development manager Leonie Gibson said the NFL's model was the only metropolitan football league she knew of that had a netball competition.

"It's mainly a rural occurrence. But it's good to hear a metropolitan [league] is including netball as part of their operations."

She said an assessment of the facilities available to accommodate the sport's growth across Victoria would need to be undertaken.