TEN OF the rebel VFLW’s 12 teams will be in action this week in practice matches as the start of the season draws within sight.

With just two weeks remaining until the scheduled season openers on February 12, 10 clubs will have their first hitouts of the new season to blow out the cobwebs and give fans the chance to get an early look at their prospects for 2022.

The schedule includes a double header set down for La Trobe University at Bundoora, where four new VFLW coaches will cut their teeth when Darebin takes on Carlton at 10.45am before Hawthorn locks horns with Port Melbourne at 1.45pm.

The Falcons are being led this year by club legend Kate Tyndall, Carlton has appointed Tom Stafford, Cherie O’Neill takes the reins at the Hawks and Sean Buncle debuts in charge of the Borough.

Geelong's Darcy Moloney in action during the VFLW semi-final against the Southern Saints on July 10, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

The Southern Saints host Williamstown at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval at 10am, reigning minor premier and 2019 flag winner Collingwood will be at Arden St Oval to take on Steph Binder’s North Melbourne at 11am, and preliminary finalists Essendon welcomes the team it knocked out of the 2021 race, the Casey Demons, to The Hangar at 11am.

Runner-up Geelong was scheduled to meet the Western Bulldogs and new mentor Kirby Bentley at Deakin University, but the match has been cancelled due to the after-effects of the Bulldogs’ AFLW COVID drama meaning they don’t have enough players available to fill their second team.

All the matches have been scheduled for the normal season times of four 20-minute quarters except the Kangaroos and Magpies, who will play 18-minute quarters.

Just one practice match has so far been locked in for next week, with Casey to play Port Melbourne at Casey Fields at 12pm on Sunday, February 6.

Essendon's Eloise Ashley-Cooper is tackled by Geelong's Claudia Gunjaca during the VFLW Preliminary Final on July 31, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Southern Saints v Williamstown (Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham) 10am

Darebin v Carlton (La Trobe University, Bundoora) 10.30am

North Melbourne v Collingwood (Arden St, North Melbourne) 11am

Essendon v Casey Demons (The Hangar, Tullamarine) 11am

Hawthorn v Port Melbourne (La Trobe University, Bundoora) 1.45pm