If the Kangaroos are to successfully defend their 2024 AFLW Premiership, they'll need to overcome old enemies, rising forces and a team they have never before faced in the AFLW.

As the clock counts down to Saturday's opener against the Cats, here are five games set to shape the Kangaroos' season.

Round 1 v Geelong

Saturday, August 16, 3.35pm AEST, GMHBA Stadium

On paper, North Melbourne's season opener is a mismatch between the reigning premiers and the team that finished 10th last season.

But that would be seriously underestimating the Cats, who boast genuine stars in goal machine Aishling Moloney and elite midfielder Georgie Prespakis. 

Geelong's topsy-turvy 2024 included a win over eventual runners-up Brisbane and a four-point defeat to high-flying Adelaide.

When the teams met at Arden Street in Week 2 last season, the Cats became the only team to take premiership points from the Roos, coming from behind in wet conditions to deservedly take a draw. To improve on that result, North Melbourne will need a hot start to the season in hostile conditions down the highway.

Round 2 v Port Adelaide

Sunday, August 24, 1.05pm AEST, Arden Street Oval

Expect a big home crowd for this one, as the Kangaroos unfurl the club's first AFLW premiership flag in front of the North Melbourne faithful before the game.

The match itself will be a heavyweight stoush between two of last year's final four teams. 

A rising AFLW force, the Power overcame a 1-4 start last season, winning their last six games before knocking out Richmond and Hawthorn in the finals. 

The Kangaroos were at the absolute top of their game when the clubs met in last year's preliminary final. In this game, the Power will be hungry to prove they have learned from that defeat.

Round 5 v Brisbane

Sunday, September 14, 3.05pm AEST, Brighton Homes Arena, Ipswich

A rematch of November's unforgettable Grand Final, this game shapes as one of North Melbourne's biggest tests. 

The Kangaroos shell-shocked the Lions in the same fixture in Week 1 last season, inflicting Brisbane's worst-ever defeat, by 44 points.

But the Lions soon showed their claws. Nine wins in their next 10 games carried them to a third-place finish, from where they were able to reach the Grand Final and run the Roos close for three quarters at Ikon Park. 

The Lions will have vengeance in mind on home turf, while the Roos will want to show they remain a step ahead as they push to go back to back. 

Round 10 v Adelaide

Saturday, October 18, 3.05pm AEDT, Arden Street Oval

The Crows are three-time AFLW premiers, and they came the closest of any team to denying the Kangaroos their first flag last season. 

When the teams met in front of a raucous Norwood Oval crowd in Week 9, North Melbourne led by 20 points at three-quarter time, but had to withstand an assault in the final quarter as the Crows closed to within eight points.

Two weeks later in the qualifying final it was closer still. Led by stars Ebony Marinoff and Chelsea Randall, the Crows dominated the first two quarters and hit back in the last, as the Roos edged a seven-point win. 

The Kangaroos will celebrate Pride Round at Arden St this weekend, ensuring a carnival atmosphere. It should also be a blockbuster game between two great rivals.

Round 12 v Hawthorn

Date/time TBC, Kinetic Stadium, Frankston

Alongside the Kangaroos, the Hawks were the big improvers last season. They ran red-hot during the home and away rounds, losing only once to Adelaide in Week 3. 

Momentum deserted them in finals, but they could easily have won both matches, losing their qualifying final to Brisbane by a goal, before Port Adelaide rose from the dead to pinch their semi-final by a point.

Remarkably, the Roos and Hawks have never played for AFLW premiership points, so this first meeting between the teams will be hotly anticipated. If both teams continue their 2024 form, it could also have a significant bearing on the 2025 AFLW finals.