AFTER what seems like forever, the first game of the AFLW season is here.
Carlton will be taking on arch rivals Collingwood at Ikon Park tonight after the abrupt end to the 2020 season.
With strength added to their line-up over the offseason, the Blues will be looking to pick up where they left off and start the season off strong with a win.
Details: Ikon Park, Thursday 28 January, 7:15pm AEST.
Broadcast: Channel 7 from 7pm, womens.afl, SEN 1116, ABC radio
Tickets for the game are selling fast | Click here to get yours
The game in focus:
In what is sure to be a tough contest, both teams will be battling it out to make their mark on the 2021 season.
With Collingwood narrowly missing out on a preliminary final and Carlton’s shot at the Grand Final cut short due to COVID, both teams have something to prove straight off the bat.
Carlton will have four new players wearing the Navy Blue tonight, with Elise O’Dea, Maddy Guerin, Charlotte Hammans and Mimi Hill all making their debut for the Blues.
Abbie McKay will make her first appearance since 2019 while Brooke Vernon will play her second senior game.
After losing its perfect record against Collingwood the last time these two sides met, Carlton will be looking to get one back against its biggest rivals.
Tickets are selling fast for tomorrow night's season opener! ??
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) January 27, 2021
The only place to get them is online, so make sure you get them before they're all gone. ??
What to watch:
It’s been a year since Maddy Prespakis was announced the AFLW Best and Fairest, and she will certainly be bringing her A-game to the fold after picking up the three votes in last year's season opener against Richmond.
Alongside seasoned midfielder Elise O’Dea, Prespakis will make her presence known in the middle, winning first possession and setting up scoring opportunities for the Blues.
Debutant Mimi Hill will make her first appearance across half forward with the likes of Tayla Harris and Nicola Stevens, while she's also expected to spend some time on the wing in her first AFLW game.
Seasoned Blue Jess Hosking will swap her half-back position for a stint in the forward line, adding experience and depth to the forward 50.
Blue view:
It has been 10 months since Victorians have been able to watch live footy.
Carlton fans and players alike will be looking forward to having the stands at Ikon Park occupied again, supporting their team in the flesh.
