Ella Wood has been named as an emergency in Richmond's season opener against Carlton on Friday night.

Wood, who wears number 17 was the only player picked from the three Greater Western Victorian Rebels players who was drafted in 2019.

Earlier:

Ararat's Ella Wood stands on the verge of football history, as Richmond gears up for its first AFLW clash on Friday night.

Wood is a chance to play in the Tigers' season opener against Carlton and become the first footballer from Ararat to feature in the landmark competition.

Wood was drafted to the Tigers in October's AFLW National Draft alongside Horsham's Nekaela Butler.

Wood has featured heavily in Richmond's pre-season hitouts, slotting into a star-studded midfield alongside captain Katie Brennan.

It is the club's inaugural season in the AFLW, as one of four teams added to the competition for the 2020 season.

While the pair weren't sure if they would line up for round one - teams were released on Thursday evening - being members of Richmond's first AFLW squad carried more than enough excitement for Butler.

"I don't really care if I get named this week," Butler said on Thursday morning.

"It's just the experience. To be around it, going to the ground to watch everyone else play, and everyone around the club getting really excited ... I'm just happy to be a part of it.

"I've enjoyed it so much. It's literally a dream come true what I'm doing right now."

Butler said the move from Horsham to Melbourne, and an intense pre-season, was made easier by her supportive teammates.

"It has been very intense. We're all at an elite level now, so all I can do is really push myself and try to get better," she said.

"The club has also provided me with a host family down here, so it's been really easy to settle into it all.

"The best part has been the girls and my teammates, who have all just been so supportive and helped me so much."

Meanwhile former Ararat Storm junior Georgia Clarke and Horsham Saint Rene Caris kick off their seasons with Geelong on Sunday against Fremantle.

Clarke said she felt as though there was more pressure on the duo entering their second year in the competition.

"It's a lot different to last year," she said.

"I think being a second year player, you might be expected to do that little bit more, and have a little bit more expected of you."

Clarke has been training for a move to the forward line this season, an unfamiliar role for the 19-year-old.

"It's different - I didn't know what to expect," she said. "It's been challenging at times - being one of the tallest players in the forward line, I'm having to play on the tallest and best defenders, which comes with even more challenges and pressure.

"But I have been enjoying it. Kicking goals if fun."

Former Horsham basketballer Sophie Alexander enters the opening round under an injury cloud, after being forced from the field by a bad cut above her eye in Collingwood's practice match against Melbourne.

Her Collingwood Magpies host league newcomers West Coast on Sunday.