Less than one month remains until Richmond embarks on its third AFLW season, and midfielder/defender Kate Dempsey says the group is "ready to roll". 

With the 2022 fixture now locked in, the Tigers are excited to embrace the challenges of the season ahead.

"It's really exciting, we've had a long period of uncertainty, as has the world and Melbourne," Dempsey said.

"So to have that certainly (of the fixture), it makes everything a lot more real."

A clear fixture highlight for the Tigers is their season opener against St Kilda on Friday, January 7, which will kick off the action-packed summer of footy ahead. 

"We're really excited about the season opener on the Friday night against St Kilda, which is going to be an incredible battle," Dempsey said.

"(We're) two very similar clubs in very similar positions, so that's going to be a real test for us which is great.

"Friday night under lights and all the fans will be there, which means a lot to us...we're up for the challenge and super pumped."

Five home games at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval, await the Tigers, who can't wait to run out again in front of the Yellow and Black faithful. 

"We love playing here, and we love playing with the fans here, where we can hear and feel them with us," Dempsey said.

"This is home, it's where we train and we're here all the time. So being able to play here means a lot to us.

"To be able to (host Pride Round and Indigenous Round at the Swinburne Centre), which means so much for our communitites, is really meaningful to all of us."

With interstate games locked in against Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney and West Coast, Dempsey said the group would be galvanised by the time away together. 

"Some of the fondest memories we all have (are from) going away," she said.

"The interstate games always bring you closer as a unit. It's an awesome opportunity to make some memories and get some wins on the road."

As Round 1 fast approaches, Dempsey is looking forward to putting her pre-season work to the test.

"This pre-season has been my most comfortable, I haven't had any injuries so just getting that consistency on the track has been a game-changer for me," she said.

"The girls are jelling really well this year, it does take time to really create those connections and culture. 

"If Round 1 was tomorrow we'd be out there swinging."