AFLW opener: Historic night for footy

IN PICTURES: A lock out at the gates, history made and incredible aciton on the field. AFLW under way in emphatic style.

1/15Thomas brother of Tilly Lucas Rodd playing for Carlton.AFLW first game. Picture: Rob Leeson

2/15Carlton young gun player Jacob Weitering on the left. PictureWayne Ludbey

3/15Huge crowds at Ikon Park saw the gates locked down shortly after the first bounce. Picture:Rob Leeson

4/15Fans came in their thousands

5/15Some 25,000 descended on the venue for the season opener. .Picture:Rob Leeson

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 3: Alison Downie of the Blues and Emma King of the Magpies compete in a ruck contest during the 2017 AFLW Round 01 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 3, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

6/15MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 3: Alison Downie of the Blues and Emma King of the Magpies compete in a ruck contest during the 2017 AFLW Round 01 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 3, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

7/15Collingwood’s banner for their opener: Wayne Ludbey

8/15Magpies fans cheer ahead of the start

9/15Collingwood made the stronger starts....

10/15Fans united: Cartlon and Collingwood fans cheer together for the inaugural season

11/15AFL CEO Gillion McLachlan was forced to apologise to those fans left outside the venue after the lock out

12/15Lauren Brazzale of Carlton is tackled by Sarah D’Arcy of Collingwood

13/15Carlton player Darcy Vescio kicked four goals in the first three quarters

14/15And quite rightly, celebrated with teammate Bella Ayre. Picture Wayne Ludbey

15/15Carlton player Bianca jakobsson bursts through the pack Picture Wayne Ludbey

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/aflw/aflw-opener-historic-night-for-footy/image-gallery/bf0a8faba416c24196eb23212c4a37a8