MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Jye Caldwell of the Bombers runs with the ball during the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on March 20, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Ross Lyon will face his former side Fremantle to begin his second stint with St Kilda as the Round 1 fixture for the 2023 AFL season is revealed.

After departing the Dockers in 2019, Lyon will face Justin Longmuir's side in the final game of the opening round of next season as he looks to steer the Saints back toward the top.

That match will be held at Marvel Stadium at 4:40pm (all times AEDT) on Sunday, March 19.

West Coast will also play away from home due to scheduling complications for Optus Stadium, with West Coast also heading to Docklands to play Alastair Clarkson's Kangaroos on the Saturday.

Opening the fixture will be Carlton and Richmond at the MCG, a contemporary tradition that returns to the time slot of the first game of the season for 2023.

Geelong and Collingwood will clash on the Friday night at the MCG, while the Demons and Bulldogs will also play at the home of football on the Saturday night.

Other Saturday fixtures see Port Adelaide and Brisbane clash at Adelaide Oval at 4:05pm, while Gold Coast hosts Sydney at Metricon Stadium at 7:00pm

Sunday will open with GWS and Adelaide at Giants Stadium before Hawthorn and Essendon clash at the MCG.

The opening 15 rounds of the AFL fixture are expected to be released in the coming days.

2023 AFL Fixture Round 1

Thursday, March 16
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.20pm AEDT, Seven

Friday, March 17
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT, Seven

Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT, Fox

Port Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT, Fox

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Seven

Gold Coast v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 7.00pm AEST, Fox

Sunday, March 19
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT, Fox

Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm AEDT, Seven

St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEDT, Fox

*Fixture via AFL.com.au