MINISTER for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans' Affairs John Eren has praised Melbourne for its work in the City of Casey.

Speaking at the launch of a $5 million injection into the facilities of Casey Fields on Thursday, Eren said Melbourne was doing some outstanding work in the City of Casey.

“Casey Fields is a very important asset for us. The Melbourne Football Club are doing a tremendous job,” he said.

“Like we’ve led as a government nationally, in terms of our investment in women and sport, the Melbourne Football Club has also, of course, invested heavily into their women’s league.

“Way back in 2013, [Melbourne] were having games against the Western Bulldogs, in terms of female competition and they’ve been advocates for a long time and we appreciate that as a government.”

Eren said Melbourne had been significant in building women’s football.

“Melbourne have been instrumental in that push to make sure that women don’t get left behind,” he said.

“Casey Fields, of course, will be the home of AFLW [for Melbourne] and Casey Demons … so it’s a great day for Casey Fields and the entire population within this corridor.

“It’s a great day for AFLW and it’s a great day for women in sport.”

City of Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett said Melbourne’s presence was continuing to grow in the region.

“I’ve never seen so many little Melbourne jumpers running around, from nought to four [years old],” he said.

“Usually around about kindergarten or prep, kids make up their minds [about who to support] and there are so many little kids now running around in the Melbourne jumpers.

“To see Casey on the jumpers on television, it’s quite inspiring, so you’re (Melbourne and Casey) are doing a fantastic job.”

Given 150 people move into the City of Casey per week, Ablett said the council was committed to growing women’s sport.

He added that there was a masterplan for Casey Fields, which “this money really helps”.