The GIANTS will open their 2016 campaign with an away game against Melbourne at the MCG.
It’ll be the first time the GIANTS open their season at the home of football, with the clubs’ only victory at the MCG coming against the Demons late in 2014.
The AFL has released details of the round one draw for next season ahead of the full fixture release this Thursday.
In what could be new recruit Steve Johnson’s first game in orange and charcoal after 253 games for Geelong, the GIANTS will face the Demons on Easter Saturday, March 26 in an early afternoon match.
Both clubs were very active in the recent NAB AFL trade period with Melbourne possibly having three former GIANTS lining up in round one with Tomas Bugg joining Sam Frost and Dom Tyson at the Demons.
The GIANTS will be out to atone for a disappointing performance against the Demons when these teams last met to close the 2015 season at Etihad Stadium.
In the round 23 match, the Demons were too good for an injury-riddled GIANTS, who were defeated by 26-points.
The loss ended a four game winning streak against Melbourne, which is a record for the GIANTS.
For the second year in a row, the AFL season will kick off on the Easter long weekend with the traditional opening game between Richmond and Carlton.
The season will be preceded by the NAB Challenge competition with the schedule to be released on Wednesday. The entire AFL fixture will be released on Thursday, October 29 with full coverage on gwsgiants.com.au.
Round One Fixture:
Thursday, March 24
Richmond v Carlton, MCG
Saturday, March 26
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney, MCG
Gold Coast v Essendon, Metricon Stadium
Sydney Swans v Collingwood, ANZ Stadium
North Melbourne v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium
Sunday, March 27
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium
Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval
West Coast v Brisbane Lions, Domain Stadium
Monday, March 28
Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG
