MELBOURNE’S 2022 AFLW campaign will kick off against its traditional rival on the 8^th of January, broadcasted live on Channel Seven.

The two eldest sides in the competition – the Dees and Dogs – will meet at VU Whitten Oval in a prime-time Saturday night clash.

With the first ball being bounced at 7pm, the Round 1 match-up will mark the first time these two sides have met in the season opener of the competition.

The history of these clubs dates back to 2013 when the first AFL Women’s game was played, with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs meeting in four exhibition matches prior to the official induction of the AFLW league.

Now, the Hampson-Hardeman Cup is up for grabs, and it currently lays in the Bulldogs’ possession after their victory last season.

The overall record in the first five seasons of the competition leans narrowly in the Demons’ favour at 3-2.

The remaining nine rounds of the 2022 AFLW season are expected to be announced on Thursday afternoon.