WHEN someone is asked “what are the games to look forward to this season?” naturally there is some bias associated with that question.

But never fear! We are here to give you a neutral’s guide to a smorgasbord of 10 games that you simply cannot miss this AFLW season.

There is no particular order to this list of 10, and is by no means a finite list of the only games you should watch this season.

Round 1 – Carlton vs. Collingwood

The season opener, two traditional rivals with plenty of history. What more could you ask for?

Carlton and Collingwood usually always produce a fierce battle, and the fact their latest meeting will again be a Round 1 clash is significant. Both teams have a lot to prove this season, so will be keen to get their campaigns off on the right foot from the get-go on Thursday night.  

Round 1 – Adelaide vs. Melbourne

The Grand Final rematch is another Round 1 clash that is sure to have plenty of spice.

Adelaide is set to unfurl its flag and will be keen to prove it is still a contender despite losing three big stars to crosstown rivals, Port Adelaide. Meanwhile, Melbourne comes across to Adelaide fuelled by the pain of Grand Final day, and no doubt will be very keen for revenge.

Round 1 – Essendon vs. Hawthorn

The third and final Round 1 clash to make the list, an inaugural battle between two of the city’s biggest clubs that was so popular they had to move it to a bigger stadium.

There is no doubt that this will be a significant game. Two historic Melbourne clubs playing in their inaugural fixture, both keen to make a statement and get their debut seasons off on the right foot.

Round 3 – Sydney vs. GWS

The inaugural Sydney derby sees the Giants finally meet the Swans.

As has been a theme on this list thus far, rivalry games with plenty of spice are always likely to catch the eye, and this matchup is no exception. The established Giants will be keen to keep their hold on the city of Sydney, while the Swans will look to make a splash and prove they are more than GWS’ noisy neighbours.

Round 3 – St Kilda vs. Melbourne

This might not seem like a must watch clash on face value, but if things go the way they should in the previous two rounds, this one could be a spicy doozy.

There is a real possibility that both sides could be undefeated heading into that round three clash, and if that is the case St Kilda will be real keen to come out and make a statement on its home deck. Do not forget, St Kilda did beat the Dees at RSEA Park a few seasons ago.

Round 5 – Collingwood vs. Essendon

A huge clash between well supported clubs that is unlikely to stay at its current venue for much longer.

These clubs have a huge history, and with Essendon now in the W sphere, there is a good chance it will transfer across.

It is currently slated to be played at the AIA Centre (formerly known as the Holden Centre), but with the small capacity of that ground it is hard to see it holding the crowd likely to be invested in such a historic game.

Round 6 – Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide

The first ever Showdown is not slated until Round 6, but it will be worth the wait.

Erin Phillips versus her old side is enough of a reason to tune in for this one by itself, but with the history and the rivalry these two clubs already have, this is sure to be an absolute cracker.

Round 7 – Melbourne vs. Western Bulldogs

The original AFLW rivalry. The one that started it all.

Despite what some fail to recognise, this is absolutely a rivalry and a battle that is hotly contested every year, no matter where both sides are sitting at that point in the season.

One added element to this year’s clash to make things interesting is that it is being played at Casey Fields for the first time, after always being scheduled at either Marvel Stadium or Whitten Oval.

Round 8 – Brisbane vs. Adelaide

These teams have been two of the sides to beat for much of AFLW’s history and there is a reason they have played off in so many Grand Finals against each other.

This one is going to be a well fought battle, with neither side going to give up until that final whistle.

Round 10 – GWS vs. Gold Coast

This last one is purely a speculative one at this stage of the season, but could be a high-stakes clash when all is said and done.

Games between these two sides are always hard fought and low scoring (bad weather has not helped on the scoring front) but depending on how both these sides have travelled up to this point in the season, it could be a real season defining blockbuster. There is the real possibility that this could be a sudden death battle for one of the final spots in the eight.