Thursday saw the release of the 2022 AFL fixture and had fans of all creeds clamoring to see where and when their sides are set to do battle.
While there are plenty of marquee matches that all AFL fans will be excited about, grand final replays, ANZAC Day, Dreamtime and Queens Birthday are just a handful of the big games already signposting the upcoming season.
Given players and coaches have changed clubs, milestones and early absences have all resulted in some intriguing matches, this means that there are some unexpected games that could be some of the most can't miss football of the season.
Ahead of the Christmas break, we have had a look at some of the big matchups and moments that you will want to keep an eye on in 2022.
Currently sitting on 995 goals for his career, Franklin is on the brink of making history. Only being five goals shy of 1,000, this is a milestone that is likely to occur early in the season.
Obviously, this record is health-dependent. If healthy, Franklin won't go too far into the season without reaching 1,000 goals.
In Round 1, he will be against GWS and the young defender Sam Taylor. Franklin averages just over three goals per game when playing against the Giants, which equals his tally the last time the two sides faced off.
'Buddy' has kicked five or more goals three times against the Giants, so it is possible, especially because the Swans will be looking to help their big forward hit the milestone early in the season.
While it could happen in the season's opening week, there is also a chance the champagne will need to stay on ice.
Taylor is an excellent defender and the Giants will want to stop their cross-town rival from achieving the milestone. The game will also be played at Accor Stadium, which won't have the same atmosphere as it would on the SCG.
Against Geelong in Round 2, the Swans will be back on their home deck where 'Buddy' has played some excellent footy and it would be fitting to kick his 1000th major against his old team's biggest rival.
Football fans have been dreaming of Franklin getting to 1000 against the Hawks, but unfortunately, given the Swans won't face the Hawks until the season's sixth week.
Still, getting there in Round 2 will still be a satisfying scene for the whole AFL community.
Providing a good run of health, both Selwood and Pendlebury will reach their 350th matches in the same round given both are currently sitting on 334 games for their career.
Pendlebury is poised to face North Melbourne at the MCG during the Round 17 matchup, and while North doesn't provide the high-profile opponent for the milestone, Collingwood might not be too disappointed as it provides them a solid opportunity to give their skipper a win.
It might also be one of the only times a game against two bottom-of-the-ladder teams produces a packed crowd as the Collingwood faithful will rally around this match.
Likewise, for Selwood, his Round 17 match will be in front of a Geelong home crowd. Playing at GMHBA Stadium, Cats backers will be out in full support with their clash against Melbourne likely to sell out in hours.
Due to the Marquee matchup, however, the AFL could push to have this match played at the MCG.
Unlike the other match, this could well be a top-of-the-table clash. Based on last season at least, both of these sides could be pushing for the top four in 2022. It could work well for the Cats too, who will likely play with increased intensity in order to give Selwood a victory in his milestone match.
Some things to keep an eye on:
Sadly, the two clubs face each other earlier in the season and therefore can't play their 350th games against each other.
Hopefully, both are able to play their 350th in front of a loud and supportive home crowd.
Dangerfield has been a dominating force in the league for most of his 285 games and has consistently been one of the league's best, and most prominent, players.
This season he will likely play game 300, which is currently poised to be against North Melbourne in Round 16.
This game at the GMHBA Stadium would be another sold-out milestone match. Still, unlike Selwood's 350th however, this game is unlikely to be moved away from Geelong.
This could be an ideal matchup for the Cats, who have historically underperformed in milestone matches. Based on expectations and 2021 results, this should be one of the easier matches on the fixture for Geelong.
Geelong faces Adelaide in Round 11, which could have been the perfect opponent for Danger's 300th, but what would have been a bittersweet moment for Adelaide fans, is virtually impossible for this matchup.
What could happen though is both Selwood and Dangerfield having their milestone matches in the same match. If Danger misses one more game than Selwood this season then, they would both be on track to reach those games the same week.
Round 6 will be Greene's first match of the season after having his suspension extended to six matches.
The controversial sharpshooter will miss the first five rounds of the season due to that suspension, with St Kilda forced to face a well-rested Greene in Canberra.
Having missed an extended time, Greene will be looking to come out firing. Expect plenty of goals, disposals and free kicks in his return as he looks to impose himself on the game from the outset.
The Giants could also be in good form with one of the easier starts to the season. Only facing two top eight sides before their match against the Saints, they could already be on 3-4 wins. Bringing back Greene would only strengthen them.
There is also a chance that this could be Greene's first game of captaining the side if he ends up being selected. He replaced Stephen Coniglio as a part-time captain when the Western Australian was absent from the side.
In the first of a handful of revenge games against their old clubs, Sam Petrevski-Seton vs Carlton will be an interesting matchup.
Petrevski-Seton started out his career on fire but since struggled for consistency throughout his time at the Blues.
The Western Australian was transitioned out of playing in the midfield while at the Blues who attempted to play him as a damaging back flank.
This was always going to be a challenging task for the former top 10 pick, being a more offensive-minded midfielder as a junior. The Blues then recruited two back flanks in Adam Saad and Zac Williams in the 2020 offseason. Couple that with playing with Sam Docherty, who also plays more offensive and the Blues made it difficult for him to succeed on a back flank.
The Blue's treatment of Petrevski-Seton was often quite questionable, never giving him the time to flourish in his natural position. He still showed flashes of brilliance while playing in the midfield. Injuries, fitness and a lack of selection also meant that Petrevski-Seton was never able to capitalise on those moments.
Returning to his home state and getting a fresh start will benefit Petrevski-Seton's future in the AFL. It is believed that the Eagles will play him more in his preferred position as a midfielder, which could see him have a career year this season.
Against the Blues, he will have the opportunity to show what he can do as a more permanent midfielder and he is sure to be desperate for a big performance that might sting the Blues, who let him go for pick 52.
One caveat to this match is whether the former Saint will actually be selected given the Dees are already stacked in midfield and Dunstan currently finds himself behind their premiership midfielders.
If he is playing, however, this will be a big matchup to keep an eye on.
Dunstan was previously on the outer of St Kilda's team over the past few seasons but fought back to play some solid football towards the back end of his stint at Moorabbin. Despite only playing 12 games in 2021, the South Australian was the Saints' second-highest vote-getter at the Brownlow with 11.
In the offseason, Dunstan made headlines when he spoke out about his treatment from the club. He discussed being "disappointed" with being dropped despite playing solid football, and how coach Brett Ratten "didn't rate him". His priority for the offseason was a fresh start and new opportunities to help with his motivation towards the game.
After not being offered a contract from St Kilda, Dunstan would be looking to play a big game against his old club.
After two years of unrest and trade requests, Clark finally got his wish over the 2021 trade period when he was allowed to return home for greater opportunities.
Clark played 16 games in his first season as a Cat but only managed only 32 games in the first three seasons of his career. Injuries and then a change of role greatly impacted his second and third seasons.
One of the Western Australian's bigger issues was being played out of position and while Clark was being asked to play in the half-back while playing for the Cats, he wasn't getting an opportunity in that position in the reserves. Not being considered in the backline for the VFL resulted in a fractured relationship with his VFL coach.
Despite the Cats playing hardball, and Joel Selwood previously convincing Clark to stay, it was to no avail.
Geelong was still high on Clark's potential, who was a first-round selection only three years prior. Despite this, they didn't give him the AFL opportunities that he was expecting and he will be suiting up for the Dockers in 2022.
Clark will want a big performance against his former side. He will look to show what they were missing when they overlooked him over the past few seasons.
This match is an interesting watch for various reasons.
It is the first time since 2014 where Richmond and Carlton are not the opening game of the season.
It is the first look at the 'new' Carlton who has had the offseason to implement Michael Voss' new game style.
Lastly, the man that 'Vossy' took over will be sitting in the other coaching box. While having plenty of fans and critics, David Teague's time at Carlton didn't amount to the same level of success as the Cartlon faithful had hoped. Teague's stint began with plenty of excitement, with the 'Teague Train' gaining plenty of momentum. Due to injuries, form and an offensive game plan the team, however, was never able to reach their top 8 potential.
Teague's final season at the club was filled with controversy, with rumours about his future floating around all season. With Alastair Clarkson's speculation, external reviews and underperforming throughout the season, it was a stressful year for Teague and the club. Carlton's treatment of Teague towards the end was questionable. A lack of clarity and communication being criticised by the media and Teague's manager.
This will prove to be a big test for Voss in his first game as the Blue's coach. Playing against Richmond is a challenging start, as the Blue's haven't beaten the Tigers in round one since 2012.
Teague would also relish the chance to draw first blood against his former club with an early victory.