MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 25: Dustin Martin of the Tigers and Patrick Cripps of the Blues compete for the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The AFL have released the round one fixture for 2020 and there are some big games to look forward to.

Richmond and Carlton have held onto their season opening Thursday time slot, as the reigning premiers will unfurl their 2019 premiership in front of what is expected to be a large MCG crowd.

GWS and Geelong will play in a historic first ever AFLW and AFL double header. Both matches will be played during the first Saturday night/evening of the 2020 season.

After coming off a very disappointing 2019 campaign, the pressure will be put on Melbourne early as they fly to Perth to take on West Coast, in what should be Tim Kelly's first game for the Eagles.

The Pies and Bulldogs will face off in a Friday night blockbuster under the roof of Marvel Stadium and the Hawks will host Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday.

Round 1 of 2020 revealed

Thursday Night

Richmond versus Carlton (MCG) 7:25pm

Friday Night

Western Bulldogs versus Collingwood (Marvel Stadium) 7:50pm

Saturday

Essendon versus Fremantle (Marvel Stadium) 1:45pm
Adelaide versus Sydney (Adelaide Oval) 4:05pm
GWS versus Geelong (Giants Stadium) 7:25pm
Gold Coast versus Port Adelaide (Metricon Stadium) 6:25pm

Sunday

North Melbourne versus St Kilda (Marvel Stadium) 1:10pm
Hawthorn versus Brisbane (MCG) 3:20pm
West Coast versus Melbourne (Optus Stadium) 6:20pm