Darcy Vescio couldn't think of a better occasion to mark AFLW game No.50.
The experienced forward will become Carlton's first player to hit the milestone in Thursday night's season opener against Collingwood at Ikon Park, six seasons after playing in the first ever AFLW game against the same opponent.
"It feels pretty special. I have spent the last few days reflecting and yeah, it does feel quite fitting to be playing Collingwood tomorrow night, where it all began," Vescio told reporters.
"A lot has happened and changed and evolved in that time but I'm really proud to be able to reach 50 games.
"It's not something I ever thought I'd be able to do so I feel really lucky."
Vescio noted the introduction of Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide and Sydney to take the AFLW to a full 18 teams felt like the league was "entering a new era".
"There's been a lot of excitement injected into this season. It feels like the first season again, where we're all feeling super-pumped, super-valued," Vescio said.
"(I'm) just looking forward to seeing how the new CBA impacts us all individually and as a collective.
"I'm really excited to see more games on the big stage as well.
"Already even at training, you can see the difference that the CBA is making to different players and how it eases that strain between footy and work.
"We might not see the immediate impact of that but I think in years to come, that will shine through."
On Thursday night there will be added spice after Collingwood's men's team beat Carlton by a point on Sunday to end the Blues' AFL finals hopes.
Vescio laughed at hearing teammate Mimi Hill describe the Magpies as "smug" after the mens' victory, but expected the Rising Star winner to back it up on the field.
Carlton had an off-season of change, headlined by Madison Prespakis and Georgia Gee's move to Essendon, but Vescio hoped they could still contend.
"Obviously, change is inevitable in an expanding league. But I really hope that the players we've got now, that we can build for many years to come," Vescio said.
"It's really hard to know how we'll go this season, I feel like this time of the year it's so up in the air with every team.
"But I feel like we've put in everything we can into the season and hopefully the start of that will be tomorrow night, showing what we've got."
