Carlton have declared their super-charged AFLW list primed for premiership glory ahead of a hotly anticipated season-opening rematch against Collingwood.
A capacity crowd is again expected to pack out Princes Park when the Blues, bolstered by All-Australian recruits Tayla Harris and Nicola Stevens, launch their campaign on Friday night.
Stevens, Collingwood's top draft pick and best and fairest last year, will come up against her old side for the first time.
High-flying former Brisbane forward Harris looms as an even more exciting addition.
The 20-year-old topped the competition last year for contested marks and is set to pair with Darcy Vescio, who became an overnight star when she booted four goals on debut.
Carlton coach Damien Keeping believes Harris and Vescio can become the AFLW's most dangerous forward duo as the Blues look improve on last year's fourth-placed finish.
"That's what we're hoping for," he said on Thursday.
"Two exceptional players. They've got unique skills about them, unique capabilities and have forged a really good relationship off the field.
"We get to see that play out on-field from Friday onwards."
Determined to keep building momentum for the women's league, the AFL have introduced a last touch out-of-bounds rule which is designed to open the game up and minimise stoppages.
Entertaining the fans is a prime objective after several low-scoring games last season but it's one the clubs will have to balance with their own aspirations.
"There is an obligation there," Keeping said.
"Ultimately from a Carlton perspective, we want to win premierships and we've put together a game plan and a list that we think we'll be really competitive with throughout this season."
Collingwood are also bullish with marquee forward Moana Hope set to rotate through the midfield after coming back in top shape.
Magpies coach Wayne Siekman believes the deeper talent pool will vastly improve the quality of play.
"Damien and I both worked in the youth girls' space in the last three or four years and the talent that's coming through is amazing," he said.
"Their football brain, their IQ, their skills and their professionalism ... it's going to make the competition pretty exciting."
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