THE AFLW season kicks off this Sunday as St Kilda and Carlton do battle at Marvel Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. 

The game forms part of a double header with the Saints-Blues AFL clash, giving fans the chance to see both sides in a huge day of footy action.

Sunday evening is also the sixth edition of Spud's Game, which brings together people in the community to have conversations that matter and break the stigma around mental ill-health. 

The Saints are fresh off an inaugural finals campaign in 2025 but will be looking to improve yet again under coach Nick Dal Santo this season. 

The Blues made a barnstorming run to the preliminary final last year and were a must-watch every week, Mathew Buck's troops hoping to go one better this year and reach the decider. 

When and where is the St Kilda v Carlton AFLW match?

The AFLW game starts at 4.35pm AEST at Marvel Stadium, before the men's match gets underway from 7.20pm. 

Who are the players to watch for? 

Some of the best players in the competition will go head-to-head in the season opener this weekend. 

St Kilda spearhead Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw is one of the most damaging players in the competition, while tough on-baller Tyanna Smith is fresh off playing for Australia last weekend.

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Defender Serene Watson has taken the reins as captain this season, while fan favourite Georgia Patrikios is another player to watch out for. 

Over at the Blues, the young duo of Sophie McKay and Poppy Scholz lit up the league last season with their brilliant play and awesome goal celebrations.

Then there's the exciting Irish pair in Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick, as well as tough on-ballers Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill and Australian representative Harriet Cordner.

Who are the new recruits?

Carlton went on a recruiting spree over the off-season, landing a trio of talented players from rival clubs.

Lauren Bella has moved from the Gold Coast to bolster their tall stocks but will be out for the first half of the season with a calf issue, while former Sun Claudia Whitfort will add some strength to the on-ball brigade. Then there's ex-Crow Brooke Boileau, who had a host of suitors but ultimately wanted to head to Ikon Park.

It was a quieter trade period for the Saints, who added former Hawthorn tall Sophie Butterworth, instead focusing on the draft to bring in some talented youth such as Jade McLay and Chelsea Sutton.

Can I stay for the men's match afterwards? 

Yes! Sunday's double header is set to be a footy extravaganza with both the men's and women's clashes set to be exciting contests. While both sides are looking to start 2026 with a bang in the women's clash, both men's teams are hunting wildcard spots. 

The Blues have a win-loss record of 9-2 since interim coach Josh Fraser took charge, while St Kilda are on the verge of a wildcard spot and finals berth for the first time since the 2023 season.

Anything else I should know?

Another famous face present on Sunday will be veteran umpire Ray Chamberlain, who will go around again this W season.

One of the most recognised figures in Australian football, Chamberlain returned to the field last year for AFLW after a 389-game AFL umpiring career and will again bring his experience, personality and passion for the game to the AFLW competition in 2026.

Chamberlain's involvement in Spud's Game carries special significance as an ambassador for the Danny Frawley Centre and a longstanding supporter of mental health initiatives, including last year's Spud's Ride, a 24-hour bike ride around the MCG held in honour of Danny Frawley's legacy.

Chamberlain will also be mic'd up for the match providing fans with unique insights into the role of an umpire and helping bring fans closer to the action.