The AFLW 2022 season kicked off on Friday, with a noticeable step up from last season.

Increased funding, staffing, training and media coverage across the AFLW clubs led to some of the best opening matches in the league’s history.

New rules were introduced to make the game more suitable to women’s strengths.

Darebin Falcons VFLW assistant coach, Julia Chiera, said: “Male coaches have finally adjusted the game style to suit the women’s game, and women players’ strengths.”

This is something lacking in the AFLW for some time, with these new rules allowing women to play AFL with their full strength.

This season will also be the league’s longest, with 10 regular rounds and three weeks of finals, giving players an even better chance of honing their skills.

Seven Network, Kayo, Fox Sport, Telstra TV App and the AFLW App will all provide coverage of the sport, making it accessible and easy to watch.

With the start of the season showing promising signs, 2022 is predicted to be one of the best seasons yet.