Hawthorn will again go head-to-head with archrivals Essendon in Round 1 of the AFLW season, following last season's epic clash between the two teams. 

This time, the Hawks and Bombers will take centre-stage at Frankston's Kinetic Stadium under Saturday lights on 2 September, which is set to mark a massive occasion for both sides. 

What happened last year?

Last year, this game marked Hawthorn and Essendon's first-ever match in the AFLW. 

Coming into 2022 as expansion teams, Hawks and Bombers fans were extremely excited to finally see women representing both the brown and gold as well as red and black. 

So much so that people power saw the game moved from North Port Oval to Marvel Stadium, where over 12,000 fans flocked to witness history being made on Saturday 27 August, 2022.

The festivities started before the ball was even bounced, with Hawthorn star Kaitlyn Ashmore running through the banner for the 50th time in her AFLW career. 

Once the ball bounced, it was Essendon who got off to a first start before Sophie Locke sent a deafening roar around Marvel Stadium. 

Just two weeks after losing her mother Sarah to cancer, Locke made her AFLW debut AND kicked the club's first ever AFLW goal. 

The stands were packed with Locke's family and friends, mostly from the Seymour Football & Netball Club, which made the moment even more special. 

From there, it was Zoe Barbakos who took over, kicking two classy goals in the second and third terms to keep the Hawks in the contest. 

Another magical moment followed with lifelong Hawks supporter Sarah Perkins slotting through a third-quarter major in memory of her aunty, who had also passed away not long before Round 1.

The fourth term belonged to the Bombers and led to them prevailing by 26 points. 

Why should I go this year?

Help us make Frankston our fortress! 

Last year, the Hawks split their home games between Box Hill City Oval and Kinetic Stadium.

This season, Frankston is ours, with four games at the venue in Rounds 1, 4, 5 and 9. 

Essendon, Melbourne, Brisbane and Port Adelaide will be Hawthorn's opponents in those games. 

The venue became a bit of a fortress for the Hawks last season, with the team winning two out of three games at the venue.

Now, the club is calling on the fans to help continue that trend. 

Packing out the stands and creating that brown and gold atmosphere that we know and love goes a long way to truly establishing Frankston as a Hawthorn fortress. 

Plus, we reckon you'll see some entertaining footy when you come along! 

It all starts with Round 1. Be there as the Hawks seek revenge against the Bombers and aim to record their first win over the arch-enemy. 

See Emily Bates and Greta Bodey in action for the first time! 

If all goes well for the rest of pre-season, Hawks fans are set to get a taste of Emily Bates and Greta Bodey for the first time in brown and gold come Round 1.

The premiership duo arrived at the club during the Priority Signing Period and haven't missed a beat since, impressing with their leadership and skills at each training session.

Both are coming off a stellar year in Lions colours, with Bates winning the Season 6 league best and fairest and Bodey claiming Season 7 All Australian honours.

Now in new colours, fans won't want to miss two superstars taking the next step in their AFLW careers under Saturday night lights against the Bombers in September. 

Women leading the way on and off the field

Hawks fans are guaranteed to see some great match-ups on the field, with the likes of Jasmine Fleming and Essendon's Maddy Prespakis likely to go head-to-head in the midfield, but there will also be a wonderful match-up off the field.

Two female head coaches will lead the way, with Hawthorn's Bec Goddard going head-to-head with Essendon's Natalie Wood.

It'll be the second time these two coaches face off, with Wood drawing first blood in 2022.

If Hawks fans know anything, it's that Goddard is unpredictable in the best way possible, so getting to Frankston is a must to see what the Hawks coach has up her sleeve. 

I'm sold! How do I sign up?! 

The best way to guarantee your seat at Kinetic Stadium is to purchase a Hawthorn AFLW membership.

Packages start from just $60 per year for adults and can be snapped up below!