With the release of the W-League draw not a second too early, here's our top five picks for the matches that'll keep you on the edge of your seat this season.
It's promising to be a huge W-League season, for both the competition, the Matildas and Australian football as a whole.
Yeah, we've probably lost Sam Kerr. That's a big ol' tally in the minus category. However what we've got to look forward to in return, is a league with greater control in the clubs' hands than ever before.
We've got FFA and the clubs talking big. Big players, big stadiums, big new developments and all the little behind-the-scenes stuff it takes to make the W-League one of the "top five leagues in the world".
We've got a season sandwiched perfectly between the 2019 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympics, meaning this campaign is going to be one of the most important in its history for the development and showcasing of new Matildas.
But best of all, we've got a campaign nestled firmly in the shadow of something much greater on the horizon - the possibility of hosting the 2023 World Cup.
It's going to be a massive season, made all the greater by the responsibility it encompasses to project Australian women's football on the world stage. So without any more furtherado, here's what we're most looking forward to...
1. The first Sydney Derby at Bankwest Stadium
Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Round 6 - Friday, 20 December 2019
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Kick off: 5.00pm AEDT
Watch: FOX Sports, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Why we're excited
It's the resurgence of the Western Sydney Wanderers that has proven one of the major talking points of the off-season.
This much-maligned W-League club seeks to replicate its men's glory and implant itself as the league powerhouses it should be.
The Wanderers have never made finals and perenially underperformed, but with new coach Dean Heffernan and assistant Michael Beauchamp, they've got genuine European and Socceroos experience and bags of domestic know-how to boot.
But the biggest reason we cannot wait for this one is the first W-League match to be played at Bankwest Stadium.
We've been really keen on the W-League bringing derbies to big venues in the wake of the English Women's Super League success and as the only derby to be held at a huge venue as a double header this season, we're really excited to see what kind of atmosphere the Red and Black Bloc can put on.
Coming in Round 6, it will be the perfect test for Heffernan's side as they will have had a chance to settle before coming up against the reigning champions.
But it's not only a huge match for the Wanderers. Sydney FC are the team to beat this season for a reason, their off-season recruitment has been hugely impressive.
In front of a hostile home crowd, this will also be a great look at how Ante Juric has led the side over the off-season.
Player to watch
Caitlin Foord, duh.
Check out the squads
2. Round 14's Big Blue at Marvel Stadium
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Round 14 - Saturday, 29 February 2020
Venue: Marvel Stadium
Kick off: 5.00pm AEDT
Watch: FOX Sports, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Why we're excited
This one may seem a little obvious given we covered our huge excitement for big venues in our first pick, but after the way last season panned out, this one is packed with all its own spice.
Melbourne will be livid after leading for 11 out of 14 rounds last season to hand the championship over to their bitter Big Blue rivals after that heart-stopping Kerr performance in last season's semi-final.
But it's not just the fast-growing rivalry between these two clubs that gives this game extra impotus. A massive Big Blue in the final round of the season before finals is a fantastic way to end the regular season on a bang.
Given it's a double header there'll be a big crowd to watch these two teams do battle which hopefully can spill over into the W-League finals series.
What's more, on the pitch it's going to be a huge mental advantage for both of these sides that are heavily expected to be there or abouts at the business end. It could even be a Premiership decider.
What more do you want?
Players to watch
Natasha Dowie and Alanna Kennedy doing battle. Pwoah!
Check out the squads
3. Brisbane Roar's first big test against Victory
Round 2 - Thursday, 21 November 2019
Venue: Dolphin Stadium
Kick off: 7:30pm AEDT
Watch: FOX Sports, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Why we're excited
Jake Goodship has got the weight of the world - or at least both sides of the Brisbane River - on his shoulders this season as he seeks to follow in the lofty footsteps of Mel Andreatta.
Brissy have a bye to kick off the season in the most understated way possible, which is likely just what Goodship and co will be looking to carry on as they aim to fly under the radar into a finals berth.
But what he wouldn't have wanted is a first-up match against Melbourne Victory the week after. Last season's top-two are set to kick off in a massive early season test for both sides, it will be a high-profile encounter and a great way for Brisbane fans to see their team in action.
It's the first challenge for Goodship and his new player / captain / assistant coach Clare Polkinghorne. It's also the first sign of whether Brisbane's talent-packed squad can actually challenge for the Championship this season.
Player to watch
Allira Toby, we're expecting big things from her this season.
Check out the squads
4. Melbourne City and Sydney FC's first clash
Round 4 - Sunday, 8 December 2019
Venue: Cromer Park
Kick off: 8:00 pm AEDT
Watch: FOX Sports, Kayo Sports, MyFootball App
Why we're excited
Alright, we're hedging our bets here (sorry Brisbane and Victory) but we think these two sides have had the best off-season transfer dealings so far.
City have to make good on their ambitions this season or Rado Vidosic is going to be under tremendous pressure.
After a fifth-placed finish last season, City dove straight into the market and have pulled off the biggest coup of the season so far. They've got serious flaws, largely in the goalscoring department.
But with Kyah Simon back fit and more signings still to come, the experienced coach is wiley operator and after last season's resurgence, we think he may have a few tricks up his sleeves.
Of course, the team to beat this season remains Sydney. Their recruitment has been unsurpassed. But given City's facilities, youth development and historical dominance of this competition, we reckon this one is going to go right down to the wire.
Player to watch
New City signing Emily van Egmond is going to be key to their Championship hopes
Check out the squads
5. The Grand Final rematch
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Round 4 - Sunday, 8 December 2019
Venue: Dorrien Gardens
Kick off: 1.00pm (local time) 4.00pm AEDT
Why we're excited
We're suckers for a Grand Final rematch with the best of them but after losing their third W-League Grand Final, we wonder if Perth will be up to the task?
Perth are a slightly unknown quantity this season, with Bobby Despotovski keen on giving WA locals a chance and rebuilding a squad capable of going one better and clinching a title for the long-suffering Glory faithful.
After their heroics last season in even making it to that stage, we're a little dubious whether they'll be able to repeat the feat if Kerr decides to move to Europe instead. But you never quite know with Perth, which makes this contest all the more interesting.
It's easy to forget that Perth boasted a lot more in the locker room than just Kerr's goals last season.At the very least, there's going to still be some very sore, yet very experienced egos in that Perth dressing room.
Perhaps a Round 4 wildcard at home, with all the expectations against them, is the exact motivation they need to pull a rabbit out of a hat.
If they do, well, there may be no stopping them.
Player to watch
Sydney's star import Sofia Huerta should put on a clinic.
Check out the squads
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