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The new AFLW season begins with the grudge match fans have been waiting for since hearing one of the most brutally honest post-game interviews.
The Carlton-Collingwood rivalry has been built over almost 130 years in men’s football, and it’s extended into the women’s ranks in only five seasons.
After the Magpies scored an upset win over the Blues last season, Collingwood defender Stacey Livingstone said about star Carlton forward Tayla Harris: “You just have to stop her in the air. If you can do that, she’s useless.”
The takedown of Harris, arguably the AFLW’s most recognisable face, lit up social media and talkback radio.
Harris said she had no bad blood with Livingstone but was determined to get the upper hand this time around.
“The media love to grab onto things, so we’ll buy into it and that’s fine,” the All-Australian told reporters.
“Stace sent through a message to apologise straight after (the interview) so I’ve got no hard feelings.
“I’m a boxer so it’s one of those one-on-one kind of build up things.
“I don’t really care (about being called useless) to be honest about the opinions of other players.”
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Thursday night’s return bout at Ikon Park was always going to be fiery, but it will go to another level now that former Blues star Brianna Davey has been appointed co-captain of the Magpies.
The versatile midfielder crossed to Collingwood ahead of the 2020 season but missed last year’s contest due to injury.
Davey will lead the Magpies with long-time skipper Steph Chiocci and the pair will break with convention by doing the coin toss together.
The former Australian soccer goalkeeper is nervous but excited about returning to her former home ground and creating history at the same time.
Davey will become the first player to ever captain both the famous inner-Melbourne clubs.
“There’s always going to be a bit of lip. It’s going to be physical, it’s a rivalry contest but every single game in the AFLW is physical,” Davey said.
“I feel so at home at Collingwood and the girls are incredible and I feel very supported.
“(The rivalry is the) same with what’s been in the men. It is definitely there and Collingwood-Carlton is always a big game no matter what.”
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The clash will evoke memories of the first AFLW game back in 2017 when spectators filled up Ikon Park to watch Carlton and Collingwood with gates locked before quarter-time.
