Wait, what? Sure, we’re 7 days into the new year, but footy fans are in luck – the AFLW kicks off tonight. This 6th season starts 3 weeks earlier than it did last year, but it’s later than organisers wanted. Going forward, they say a December launch is what they want. And this year, it’s an unusual first game with neither Collingwood nor Carlton involved… Instead, tonight’s opener will see St Kilda and Richmond take to Frankston Park, about 40km from the CBD. In total, 10 rounds will be played with 14 teams battling for a place in the finals. As for who will be on top at the end, half of the teams’ captains say keep your eye on the red and the blue (aka Melbourne). That’s even after the perenially underrated Brisbane Lions beat 2-time premiers Adelaide for the trophy in 2021. Now to torpedo punt COVID out of the picture so they can get on with it…