HONOURING those who have come before them and paving the way for the next generation.

When Kerryn Peterson addressed the playing group following Saturday’s historic double header at the MCG, she emphasised the importance of embracing responsibility.

“We know the responsibility we have, not only to the people who have come before us and the players who have worn the Navy Blue, but to the generation of footballers who would have given their left arm - and probably something else as well - to have the opportunity that we have,” Peterson said.

In a historic season for the AFLW, all 18 teams will be represented – providing an opportunity for Peterson and the Game Changers to reflect on how far they have come in their sixth year since the competition’s inauguration.

“One of the things that’s been spoken about - perhaps behind closed doors, but it’s not a secret - is that in the first four or five years of AFLW, we may have fallen into a place where we were just really grateful and happy to be here,” she said.

“We just showed up and were respectful of the opportunity that we had.

“There’s been a real shift in our focus now to go from being happy to be here, to being a high-performing, successful team on the ground.”

For Peterson, while the duty may at times feel like ample weight to carry, it’s about embracing the opportunity her side has in front of them.

“It’s not a burden, it’s a responsibility and it’s time for us to really elevate ourselves, our group and this club to what it needs to be," she said.

“We’re always respectful of the opportunity and we’re grateful for the opportunity that we have, but there’s a responsibility for us to carry on and make it a better place for the next generation as well.

“I think that’s the biggest thing, and what I love most about the position we’re in – we get to respect what’s come before us and we get to lay the foundations for what comes next."

Following a busy off-season, Peterson said the playing group is now exactly where it needs to be.

“I want to touch on the journey that the playing group has gone on, and I want to also extend that to the staff and everyone that’s been involved in our program – it’s no secret that this group has gone through a big reset in the last two or three years.

“We had to establish the players who really wanted to be here and really wanted to invest in each other and what this program has to bring.

“We make no secret of the fact that we have done that and I do know that we have 30 players now on board, plus the staff, who are really committed to buying in to what we’re trying to achieve.”

With season seven coming just months after season six, the hard work hasn’t stopped as the Game Changers now approach the end of their second pre-season for the calendar year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the way that we’ve been able to prepare over the pre-season and get ourselves to the point where we’re going to be able to compete and we’re going to be able to continue striving for success,” she said.

And IKON Park’s return to hosting the AFLW season opener against their traditional rivals?

“I can’t wait for Thursday next week; it’s going to be one hell of a night – so buckle up.”