One to watch: Benalla export Becky Webster will run out for Geelong against Richmond.
Photo by
Hamish Blair
Round one is officially here.
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After an off-season that spanned four months, the AFLW will return on Thursday night with season seven set to be bigger and better than the last.
All 18 AFL clubs will now be represented — with Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney set to join the party — while an expanded finals series will only provide more entertainment.
There are 15 Goulburn Valley exports set to feature this season, with the district talents adding another layer to what is shaping up to be a fascinating season.
One opening round game that is sure to feature a number of district exports will be played out in Geelong on Sunday afternoon, with the Cats taking on Richmond.
Featuring Benalla's Becky Webster and Kyabram talent Julia Crockett-Grills in their leadership group, the Cats also feature Echuca’s Annabel Johnson.
The Cats are looking to build on their 12th-placed finish last season.
They will take on a Tigers squad many believe is on the rise, with Shepparton talent Grace Egan making the move to the yellow and black from Carlton.
Another match sure to steal the headlines in round one is pencilled in for Saturday night, with Essendon taking on Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.
In what is the first game in the premier competition for both clubs, overwhelming demand for tickets had the venue upgraded to Marvel Stadium.
A number of exports will be aiming to play their role in the historic occasion.
Essendon features Mansfield’s Bonnie Toogood, along with Finley’s Eloise Ashley-Cooper, while Hawthorn boasts Mooroopna’s Tamara Smith and Seymour’s Sophie Locke on its list.
Cross-town rival: Shepparton’s Angela Foley will play for Port Adelaide this season.
Photo by
Dan Peled
Another club that will play its first AFLW game this weekend is Port Adelaide, with the Power making the trip west to take on West Coast Eagles.
This game is sure to gather plenty of attention, with two-time Adelaide premiership star Angela Foley running out in Power colours for the first time.
Foley, who grew up in Shepparton, crossed to the Power ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Elsewhere in round one, Benalla export Keeley Skepper is set feature for Carlton when the Blues host Collingwood and Euroa’s Georgia Gall will be putting her best foot forward to play for Melbourne against Adelaide in a grand final rematch.
In Hobart on Saturday afternoon, a North Melbourne side featuring the Benalla duo of Sophia McCarthy and Cassidy Mailer is set to take on the Gold Coast, while Western Bulldogs, home to Mooroopna’s Millie Brown and injured Shepparton United product Auroa Smith, face off with GWS on Sunday.
With minimal moves for last season’s top sides, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane have been flagged as premiership contenders once again, while Essendon and Hawthorn should be competitive after strong VFLW seasons.
The addition of Egan will only boost a youthful Richmond outfit, while her former club Carlton may slide down the table with a number of departures.
With plenty of action to sink into, new season dates and fresh clubs involved, AFLW season seven is shaping up to be a cracker.
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