NEW: Maggie Caris, Eliza West, Ali Brown, Tayla Harris

FOUR Demons will make their Melbourne debut on Saturday night when the side opens its 2022 AFLW campaign against Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval.

Maggie Caris and Eliza West will run out for their first AFLW game, while Ali Brown and Tayla Harris will make their official debut in the Melbourne colours.

Joining the Dees in 2020, Caris has spent the past twelve months developing her skills in the ruck and will be a welcomed addition to the side on Saturday. The 19-year-old’s height and natural athleticism will make her a seamless partner to Lauren Pearce.

West comes into the team as a powerful inside mid whose ability to grab and run has been the highlight of her first pre-season with the club. Coming across from college-level basketball, the 20-year-old is a natural sportswoman and will bring depth to the Dees’ midfield.

Brown found her way to the Demons after stints at Carlton and St Kilda and will be an asset to the side’s back line, having developed into a key defender throughout her time in the league. With strong ball-movement and versatility across the ground, Brown will look to provide a nice run off half-back.

Harris is no stranger to the world of AFLW and will provide further experience to Melbourne’s forward line. Her height and heavily developed skills in front of goals will complement the side’s existing forwards. She’ll line up alongside captain Daisy Pearce, who will join her in front of goals.

Krstel Petrevski and Georgia Campbell have been named as emergencies.

With 2022 shaping up to be unique in its own right, this season will see the football community navigate its way through further COVID-19 challenges.

Melbourne GM of AFLW Marcus Wagner said bumps are to be expected and adaptability will, once again, be key.

“We, along with the league and the wider community, find ourselves in an unfamiliar position, as a result of the escalation of COVID-19 cases across the country,” he told Melbourne Media.

“This season is going to see challenges, whereby some players, coaches and staff will be impacted and potentially miss matches due to a COVID-19-related matter.

“Our group is under no illusion of the hurdles that may lie ahead but are prepared to adapt to whatever is thrown their way.

“We’re really looking forward to getting our 2022 campaign underway on Saturday night and welcoming the Demon faithful back to the footy.”

Set to be a fierce battle, the opening-round match will also see the two sides play for the Hampson-Hardeman Cup, named in honour of women’s footy pioneers Barb Hampson and Lisa Hardeman.

The Bulldogs and Demons established the special trophy for the inaugural exhibition game in 2013, with Saturday night marking the 12^th instalment.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm (AEDT), with broadcast available on Seven Network and Fox Footy.

You can check out the full team for Saturday’s game below.