MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Every AFL season there are certain games in the fixture that capture the attention of a larger audience. Traditional rivalries, state derby's and of course, the Grand final rematch.

Here's our list of the top five must-watch matches of 2022.

1. Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs 

2022 will kick off the same way last year ended, with the two grand finalists from 2021 set to face off in the opening match of the season.

After breaking their premiership drought, Demons supporters will be watching closely to see if they can replicate the form that got them there. The Dogs will be out for revenge after a difficult off-season of facing the reality of their Grand Final loss.

The two best teams of the competition in 2021 yet one of them will likely open their 2022 campaign with a loss. There is no doubt this clash will be heated drawing the eyes of all AFL fans and recording tight odds on the best new betting site.

2. West Coast vs Fremantle

The Western Derby will be played in Round 3 this season, where the cross-town rivals fight to be the best of the West. This date is marked on every Western Australian footy fans' calendar, and with the Eagles finishing just two places above the Dockers in 2021 this could be a Derby for the ages. The last time they met, Freo were victorious by 15 points.

With the class of Nat Fyfe, Andy Brayshaw and Sean Darcy going up against the experience of Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, and Nic Naitanui, this contest will have no shortage of highlights. Whilst both teams are fighting for the four points, the winner will also walk away with bragging rights.

3. Adelaide vs Port Adelaide

Also facing off in Round 3 we see the South Australian cross-town rivals in the Showdown. The last time they met Port were victorious in a close contest that was decided by just four points. After just missing the Grand final in 2022 Port will be looking to put themselves in the strongest position possible at the start of this season.

It's no secret that Adelaide has been struggling, but they always find a stronger gear when they face their rivals. The South Australian Showdown will be full of fireworks on the field in 2022.

4. Richmond vs Essendon

These two sides will meet once again in the annual Dreamtime match in Round 10. Dreamtime at the G is always a highlight of the fixture, particularly for Tigers and Bombers fans. The past two years we have seen Dreamtime played at TIO Stadium in the Northern Territory and Optus stadium in Western Australia. This season Dreamtime is scheduled to return to the MCG and both teams will play in front of their home fans.

Aside from the festivities, these two big Melbourne clubs would consider themselves a chance to make finals in 2022. The Bombers placed eighth and the Tigers 12th last year, and both sides are vying for a valuable top-eight spot. This contest is sure to capture the attention of many, with high stakes and big celebrations.

5. Brisbane vs Western Bulldogs

The Lions and the Dogs will meet in Round 16 in their first encounter since the Dogs knocked the Lions out of the finals race by just a single point in 2021, with Brisbane left licking their wounds and no doubt feeling as though they have unfinished business against the Dogs.

With this game taking place in the latter part of the season, both teams will be hoping to remain in finals contention. With the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, and Jack Macrae meeting Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons, Hugh McCluggage in the midfield, this will be a contest of the highest calibre. There is no question, that the AFL's newest rivalry has been born.