RUBY Schleicher is expected to be named to face Carlton in Thursday night's AFLW season opener despite cutting it fine with concussion protocols.

The dual All-Australian, who was concussed in Collingwood's practice match against Sydney on August 13th, will exit protocols hours before the game and is set to line up in an already depleted midfield, which will be without both Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici for the season.

Mikala Cann and Alison Downie, however, both look likely to miss due to calf concerns.

But star Jaimee Lambert will line up for the Pies despite managing a lower leg concern in recent weeks.

The Pies have also announced that tough midfield recruit Imogen Evans will make her debut.

Meanwhile, Davey's rehab has been set back slightly after she required additional surgery earlier this week to clean out her recently reconstructed knee.

AFLW season seven kicks off with Carlton taking on Collingwood at Ikon Park on Thursday August 25th.