Carlton members and supporters have received a fantastic fixture that will allow them to return to Ikon Park and support the Game Changers next season.

The official 2021 AFLW fixture was released today and it makes for terrific reading for the Navy Blue faithful.

The Blues will once again return to the big stage in the season opener against rivals Collingwood in a home game at Ikon Park on Thursday 28 January.

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With seven games telecast on Channel 7 free to air, the fixture is a win for all Bluebaggers across the country.

Four out of the first six games of the season will be held at Ikon Park, the spiritual home of the Blues, with key matches scheduled against the Western Bulldogs in Round 2 (Pride game) and Melbourne in Round 5 as part of the League’s inaugural Indigenous Round.

Interstate trips to Queensland against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 3 and Adelaide against the Crows in Round 7, ensures the Carlton faithful will once again have the opportunity to see the Game Changers in action nationally.

The home and away season has been increased by an additional round in 2021 and will now run across nine weeks before entering a three-week finals series.

Blues CEO Cain Liddle said that the Club is thrilled to reconnect with its members and supporters in 2021.

“Given it will be nearly 12 months since our Victorian members and supporters would have seen their football club in action, we could not have asked for a better fixture to allow them to enjoy coming to games once again,” Liddle said.

“To have a mix of Saturday games and four Sunday afternoon games is terrific, as Carlton people can enjoy a traditional day at the footy with their friends, kids and family at our spiritual home of Ikon Park and the home of women’s football.

“In addition to a great day, they will be treated to some elite football. Our AFLW side has been eye-catching in recent seasons, playing a fast, tough, brand of football that is outstanding to watch. We look forward to seeing them go to the next level in 2021, with full belief the players will pick up right where they left off last season after reaching their second consecutive Preliminary final.

“It goes without saying that our annual Carlton Respects game is a significant occasion and once we nominate which game this will be, we will be sure to inform our members and supporters as we proudly continue to raise awareness of gender equality for the prevention of violence against women.

“Our club is delighted to again be at the centre of Pride Round as we take on the Western Bulldogs for the fourth consecutive year in what has become one of the marquee games on the AFLW calendar.

“The inaugural AFLW Indigenous Round will also be fantastic and we are incredibly proud to take part in this Round to represent the strong Indigenous women who have contributed so much to our game, not only in the AFLW, but also in our Club’s history.

“It has been a long year, but we could not be more excited to now have an official date to look forward to where our members and supporters can come together as one club at the football again. Round 1 cannot come quick enough.”