Essendon will open its 2022 campaign at the home of footy against Geelong, with the AFL today releasing the round one fixture for the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

The Cats will host the Bombers in the annual Powercor Country Festival match at the MCG on Saturday March 19, in the traditional 2:10pm timeslot.

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The themed blockbuster, which will be staged for the seventh time next season, will again celebrate the contribution rural Victorians make to the game and acknowledge the support shown by fans across the state.

The full 2022 AFL fixture will be announced next week.

ROUND ONE

Geelong v Essendon
2:10pm, Saturday March 19, 2022
MCG
Live on Fox Footy, Kayo

FULL ROUND ONE FIXTURE

Wednesday, March 16
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT, Seven

Thursday, March 17
Carlton v Richmond, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Seven

Friday, March 18
St Kilda v Collingwood, Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm AEDT, Seven

Saturday, March 19
Geelong v Essendon, MCG, 2.10pm AEDT, Fox
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney, Accor Stadium, 5.10pm AEDT, Fox
Brisbane v Port Adelaide, Gabba, 7.10pm AEST, Seven

Sunday, March 20
Hawthorn v North Melbourne, MCG, 1.10pm AEDT, Fox
Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval, 3.40pm ACDT, Fox
West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 4.40pm AWST, Fox