The AFL has unveiled the 2020 home and away fixture.
As always, there will be specific matches which class as must-watch television. After a whirlwind trade period and noticeably close season, here are the contests we can't wait to arrive.
Richmond v Carlton - Round 1
Thursday, March 19, MCG, 7:25pm (all times AEDT) | Seven
Traditional rivals will open the season just as they have done the past five seasons. As Richmond unfurl the 2019 premiership flag, Carlton will be looking to challenge the Yellow and Black in David Teague's first official season as head coach. Adding to the appeal, this game will mark the return of the mercurial Eddie Betts wearing Navy Blue. You can expect both cheer squads to be in full voice in front of a packed MCG.
Collingwood v Richmond - Round 2
Thursday, March 26, MCG, 7:25pm | Seven
It was the game many predicted to decide the 2019 premiership. Instead, fans of both Collingwood and Richmond will only have to wait for Round 2 to see their sides battle it out. Setting up what should be a sensational round of footy, the Victorian juggernauts will go head to head in Collingwood's first home game of the season.
Sydney v Essendon - Round 2
Friday, March 27, SCG, 7.50pm | Seven
With Joe Daniher creating plenty of headlines this recent off-season, many still believe the key forward will get to Sydney in 2021. For now, he remains a Bomber and if he can stay on the park then this will be a match to pencil in. Seeing Daniher dominate the Swans will likely lift his trade value, but there's another handy forward at the other end of the park who can still light up any crowd. Will Franklin play enough games to become just the fifth player to reach 1,000 goals? He needs 56 goals to get there, a challenge but we've seen him manage big seasons over his long career.
GWS v Western Bulldogs - Round 3
Friday, April 3, UNSW Canberra Oval, 7:50pm | Seven
A fixture that becomes more engrossing by the season, dating back to their classic Preliminary Final match in 2016. Both teams -who boast plenty of stars entering their prime- will compete during this prime time occasion for bragging rights. The first of three matches at Canberra Oval places the season building blocks for both clubs.
West Coast v Geelong - Round 3
Saturday, April 4, Optus Stadium, 8:10pm | Seven
Following a lengthy standoff for the rights to secure Tim Kelly's playing future, he will now return to his home state to play for the Eagles. The Cats will have no love-lost for Kelly once the ball is bounced, and it's a game which features two of the competitions best midfield brigades. The match-ups are simply mouthwatering. Many are predicting Geelong's downfall in 2020 - but internally, this game offers more than just the four points. Wing man Andrew Gaff is expected to play his 200th game.
Collingwood v Essendon - Round 6
Saturday, April 25, MCG, 4.20pm | Seven
The traditional ANZAC day clash between these Victorian clubs will now be pushed to a later time slot. Some say the decision to make this a twilight match will create a better spectacle, some are against the plan. No matter what time this one is played, it always seems to live up to the hype and draw in record crowds.
Richmond v GWS - Round 7
Saturday, May 2, MCG, 1:45pm | Foxtel
A Grand Final rematch is always one of the hot season tickets, and despite the 2019 decider ending in a Richmond demolition, the Giants will undoubtedly be looking for revenge of their own. With players such as Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield and Toby Greene entering their prime, the Giants remain a serious threat to the top-tier teams.
Brisbane v Richmond - Round 8
Friday, May 8, Gabba, 7:50pm | Seven
The Gabba will host its first Friday Night game since 2013, as the Lions welcome the reigning premiers up north. After these two sides battled it out in a telling Qualifying Final last season, this game is expected to live up to the hype. Many expect these teams to again finish inside the four.
St Kilda v Fremantle - Round 10
Saturday, May 23, Marvel Stadium, 1:45pm | Foxtel
The second match of the annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round will see two players facing their former sides. St Kilda's revamped roster is headlined by Brad Hill, who will play his former side and the man that pieced the trade together, Blake Acres. Not expected to be most enthralling contest, but these teams are similarly placed heading into 2020 and promises to be a memorable day for both fan bases.
Adelaide v Carlton - Round 10
Saturday, May 2, Adelaide Oval, 4:35pm | Foxtel
Staying with the Indigenous theme, the Adelaide will fans will get the chance to thank Eddie Betts as he returns to 'Eddie's pocket(s)' on Saturday afternoon. The twilight match has more to offer than Betts against his former side, as the infamous 2018 pick swap between these two teams will likely feature players involved in the deal.
Hawthorn v Geelong - Round 13
Friday, June 12, MCG, 7:50pm | Seven
Although their Easter Monday clash naturally becomes a blockbuster, the second encounter between these two sides promises to be another modern-day classic. Under the Friday Night lights, Round 13 marks the second of three bye rounds, and this encounter will provide fuel for both sides heading into the second half of the season.
