DETAILS: Melbourne v Collingwood
DATE: Friday 1 September
TIME: 7:20pm (AEST)
LOCATION: IKON Park | Wurundjeri Country
BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy, Kayo Sports and womens.afl
TICKETS: Available here
MATCH PREVIEW:
There’s no better way to kick the season off than with Friday night footy at IKON Park. The Dees will be looking forward to beginning their premiership defence, while Collingwood will be wanting to start their campaign on a high.
Though the teams haven’t faced each other since Round 5 of the 2021 season, the competition between the two teams remains a strong and long-standing rivalry since the inaugural fixture in 2017.
In the off-season, the Pies farewelled a number of key players such as Jaimee Lambert and Chloe Molloy but recruited the likes of Tarni White and Nell Morris-Dalton, so will provide a challenge for the Dees.
While Melbourne saw less movement in the off-season, the team will be bolstered by familiarity and momentum coming off last year’s impressive campaign.
The night itself will be filled with a number of exciting opportunities for fans to enjoy including Melbourne’s inaugural AFLW Premiership flag unfurling and a pre-game performance from Australian icon Missy Higgins.
With the inner-city location perfect for a post-work dose of footy during the AFL finals bye, fans are encouraged to get down to IKON Park from as early as 4pm (when gates open) to be a part of all the action.
BE THERE FOR ROUND 1 >>> Get your tickets now
PLAYER TO WATCH: Melbourne
Eliza McNamara
If selected in the final 21, McNamara would be returning to the side for the first time in more than 12 months after sustaining a serious back injury during July of 2022.
Prior to her injury, McNamara was building as one of the up-and-coming young talents in the league. The 21-year-old uses her speed and endurance to impress along the wing, with the ability to also hit the scoreboard when inside 50.
After two successful returns to match-play in Melbourne’s official pre-season hit-outs, McNamara might be a fresh burst of energy for the Dees come Round 1.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Collingwood
Brianna Davey
Much like McNamara, if Davey was selected for the season-opener, the match would be her first in more than 18 months.
Davey was sidelined at the beginning of 2022 with a serious knee injury and subsequently missed both season six and seven. But having established herself as one of the top players in the competition prior to this injury, there’s no doubt Davey will be looking to get back to her best in Round 1.
A two-time All-Australian and a three-time club best and fairest, Davey is strong and powerful through the contest, posing a threat for Melbourne's midfield.
