Nestles sisters Ruby and Ella Couch, Nirranda's Sophie Walsh, Port Fairy's Maddie Green, Brierly-Christ Church's Charlotte Poyner, Merrivale's Lila Wilkinson and Allansford-Panmure's Grace Schrama feature on the 30-strong list.

Several other south-west prospects - including Hamilton district players Caeleigh Humphries, Aisha Hendriks and Marni Luhrs - have also been selected.

Stephen Field, an expert coach based in Dunkeld, said he would host localised training sessions so those based in the south-west wouldn't be required to travel east each week.

Field took on Geelong's director of women's coaching role in April.

"This probably encapsulates some of the things that have been taking place regularly in each of the associations with their girls programs and their development programs," he said.

"I think it shows what a great job the volunteers around (the south-west) are doing."

Field said it provided a strong and genuine pathway for players in the south-west to pursue Victorian Premier Cricket.

Warrnambool and District Cricket Association chairman Gordon McLeod said Geelong's decision to enter women's premier cricket was a major boost.

The club will initially field seconds and thirds teams.

"It's the obvious place for our players from the WDCA to go to the next level," he said.

"No one begrudges that, we think that's great in trying to improve cricket and it'll give people the incentive with that opportunity there."

It comes as participation and interest in female cricket is expected to reach new heights in 2021-22. The WDCA launched its inaugural women's competition this past season with four clubs and more are expected to join.

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