As far back as May, Carlton made their intentions clear for the second AFLW season when they handed Collingwood three draft picks in exchange for the Magpies' inaugural best and fairest winner, Nicola Stevens.

A week later, the Blues landed one of AFLW's biggest names, luring high-flying forward Tayla Harris from the Brisbane Lions after she had spent just one season with the runners-up.

Looking to improve: Magpies forward Moana Hope. Credit:Penny Stephens

The moves shocked those who were unprepared for the landscape of AFLW to shift at such speed but to those involved the decisions were affirmation this competition was being built to last.

In less than a month, the wisdom of such decisions will be laid bare when the Blues once again open the season at Ikon Park against the Magpies on the first Friday evening in February.