With the AFLW pre-season practice matches now behind us, all eyes are fixed on North Melbourne's season opener.

As the countdown continues, here are five fixtures that will shape the Kangaroos' season.

Week 1 v Brisbane, Sunday, September 1

Right off the bat, North Melbourne will face the side that trumped them on Grand Final day last season in a hotly anticipated rematch at Brighton Homes Arena.

The Roos are yet to topple the Lions since entering the competition in 2019, and will be determined to end that record.

They could have a new look behind the ball, with two-time premiership defender Libby Birch a high chance to feature in North Melbourne colours for the first time in the opening round, if she can complete her recovery from an MCL injury.

With both clubs bolstering their squads in the off-season and targeting a Grand Final return, expect this opener to be tense and fiery.

Week 2 v Geelong, Sunday, September 8

The Roos return to Arden St Oval for their first home game in front of the North faithful.

Though the Cats have yet to overcome Roos in six attempts, the teams have played out some low-scoring classics in recent seasons; the past four match-ups being decided by an average of eight points.

In Round 3 last year, the travelling Kangas trailed by 17 points at the main change, but kicked 4.4 to Geelong's 0.2 in a second-half surge to snatch the four points.

Newly-returned Irish star Vikki Wall could be ready to rejoin the Roos by now, making this another early season match-up to mark in the calendar.

Week 3 v Melbourne, Sunday, September 15

A trip to Casey to face Melbourne will cap off a challenging opening three weeks for the Kangas, who return to the south-east for the first time since Season 6, 2022.

After being outmuscled by the Demons in Round 8 last season, North Melbourne hit back in the qualifying final, rolling the then-reigning premiers by 41 points in emphatic fashion.

It was a load off the shoulders for the Roos, who will hope to knock Melbourne off for a second consecutive time.

Week 7 v Sydney, Sunday, October 13

The Roos head to their home-away-from-home to celebrate Pride Round at North Hobart Oval. 

After going winless in their inaugural AFLW season, the Swans showcased their development in 2023 by finishing eighth and winning their first ever League final.

Boasting the likes of Chloe Molloy and Laura Gardiner, the current Sydney line-up is a far cry from what it was when the Roos dominated the one and only clash between the two clubs to date, winning 67-1 in late 2022.

Week 9 v Adelaide, Friday, October 25

For a second straight year, the Roos will make their way to Norwood Oval for a crack at the Crows late in the home and away season, and history suggests this clash will be a corker.

While North Melbourne got the better of Adelaide in a cracking preliminary final, the Crows prevailed by three points when the sides met in South Australia in Round 9.

Both clubs are considered serious premiership contenders this year, and the result of this clash could prove pivotal to how the ladder shapes up.