MELBOURNE has named its final team to open the 2023 NAB AFLW Season.

The Dees will face the Pies on Friday night to kick off Round 1 and have selected 19 premiership players in their starting 21.

The home side will be without former premiership captain Daisy Pearce, who retired after season seven, and Maeve Chaplin, who is sidelined with concussion.

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Eliza McNamara will join the line-up after more than 12 months on the sidelines with a serious back injury.

The exciting news was confirmed on Wednesday night, with McNamara’s parent joining the team meeting to help celebrate the incredible achievement. 

The 21-year-old will add depth to the midfield, with her agility and speed to be an asset along the wing and inside the contest.

Georgia Campbell will also come into the final team, worthy recognition of the impressive pre-season the young Demon has had.

Campbell has played one senior games since joining the club in 2021, with the 19-year-old spending the past two seasons developing her craft as both a ruck and tall forward.

Sammie Johnson, Gab Colvin and Charlotte Wilson have been named as emergencies for the Round 1 clash.

Friday night will be filled with exciting opportunities for fans to enjoy, with Australian musician Missy Higgins performing before the first bounce, in addition to Melbourne’s inaugural premiership flag unfurling.

Pearce will lead the flag unfurling alongside five significant women in the club’s history, Jane Lange, Brooke Patterson, Debbie Lee, Rachel Stinear and Mandy Horsburgh.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:30pm ahead of the musical act and flag unfurling, with the first bounce scheduled for 7:20pm.

Check out the full Round 1 line-up below.