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.
7. Jordan Clark vs Geelong ย - Round 7
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.
