Now that the AFLW fixture has been released, there’s a lot to look forward to in the first two months of 2022. 

With Carlton’s sixth AFLW season kicking off in early January, here’s just some of what Bluebaggers can look forward to. 

Round 1: Carlton v Collingwood (IKON Park) 

Footy is finally back at IKON Park. After Melbourne has experienced and survived another lengthy lockdown, fans can come back to the home of the Blues and watch the traditional rivalry between the Blues and the Pies. With some familiar faces now donning the black and white stripes, there will be plenty to prove between these two sides. The likes of Bri Davey and Alison Downie will be facing old teammates, while Carlton might be fielding some new faces in the first game of the season. The Blues will be looking to show the Pies what they’ve got, after a disappointing contest in Round 1 last year. 

Round 2: Brisbane v Carlton (Maroochydore Sports Complex) 

This will be the first time that the Blues have taken on the Lions in Queensland since the competition’s inception. Carlton has taken on Brisbane every season bar one since 2017, with each of those games being played at IKON Park. For the first time, the Blues will be stepping into Lion territory as they travel north to Maroochydore.

01:44

BTGC Podcast | Gee on pre-season, relationship with Simpson

Georgia Gee joins the Behind the Game Changers team, Brooke Walker and Mimi Hill to discuss pre-season running and her growing relationship with assistant coach Kade Simpson.

Round 3: Western Bulldogs v Carlton (Whitten Oval) 

Round 3 will be the Bulldogs and the Blues annual Pride Round match-up. The game will mark the fifth consecutive season the two teams have met in a celebration of pride, recognising and supporting the LGBTIQ+ community by celebrating inclusiveness, gender diversity and welcoming all people, no matter their sexual orientation. The Blues will be looking to tip the ledger their way, with both teams having won two matches each. Fans can also look forward to the potential match-up of Brea Moody and her twin sister Celine. 

Round 8: GWS Giants V Carlton (Manuka Oval) 

The Blues are heading to Canberra to face the Giants at Manuka Oval for Indigenous Round. This will be the second year that the AFLW has celebrated Indigenous Round with clubs wearing their respective guernsey, as well as the first time the Blues will line-up against former captain Katie Loynes and ex-Blue Chloe Dalton. Celebrating Indigenous Round has become a special part of the AFLW schedule, especially for Carlton’s Indigenous players Maddy Prespakis and Nat Plane.

Round 10: TBC

What's not to love about a mystery fixture? The AFL has yet to announce the Round 10 schedule yet, but fans can look forward to what is sure to be another blockbuster match for the Game Changers to finish off 2022 strong.