DETAILS: Melbourne v Essendon

DATE: Sunday 23 October

TIME: 5:10pm (AEDT)

LOCATION: Casey Fields

BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports and womens.afl

GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here

TICKETS: Available here

MATCH PREVIEW:
This will be the first time Melbourne has faced an expansion team in season seven. Despite it being the first time the two teams have faced each other in-season, Melbourne has lined up against Essendon just a few months ago in an unofficial pre-season hit-out at the Hangar. 

The Demons travelled to the Bombers' home deck in early August and produced a strong performance with an abundance of skills on display across the board. Melbourne was hot in the contest, with eight players making an impact in front of goals. It was a successful hit-out for the Dees, the final score sealed at 84 to 40. 

As both teams prepare for Sunday's official inaugural match, a mix of talents are set to line up against each other. The Bombers will be led by experienced recruits in Maddy Prespakis, Bonnie Toogood and Stephanie Cain, while Melbourne will look to its consistent midfielders in Olivia Purcell and Eliza West and its stalwarts up forward in Tayla Harris and Kate Hore. 

PLAYER TO WATCH: Melbourne
Shelley Heath
Melbourne's half-back had a break out individual campaign in season six earning herself a spot in the All-Australian Squad and is continuing that form this season. Coming off the back of a career-high 20 disposals last week, she will be looking to have another strong performance against Essendon.

Heath is fast becoming one of Melbourne's most reliable defenders, often getting the job of tagging the opposition's best player and shutting them out of the game most weeks. Her speed and strength prove dangerous in defence, with her attack on the ball at elite level. 

PLAYER TO WATCH: Essendon
Maddy Prespakis
The 2020 NAB AFLW Best and Fairest is having an outstanding season so far. She is averaging 23.8 disposals a game and is currently sitting third on the leaderboard for the AFL Coaches Association's AFLW Champion Player of the Year Award at the end of Round 8.

Prespakis is a powerful inside-mid and can often break the game wide open on her own. This talent will leave the Demons' midfielders with their hands full on Sunday trying to keep her explosive skills contained.