Essendon will host Carlton in round 13 in a clash commemorating its 150-year anniversary. (Photo: AFL Photos)

It's finally here.

With the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture revealed today, we've selected six games you can't miss next year.

Check out the full fixture, sync it your calendar, and make sure you're on the journey with us as a 2022 member as we strive to break our all-time membership record in our 150th year.

1. The return to the home of footy

Having been deprived of attending games at the MCG - just two Essendon games have been played there in front of uncapped crowds in the past two seasons - the Bomber faithful will be eagerly anticipating their side's season opener against Geelong at the home of football. Throw in the seventh annual Powercor Country Festival, a traditional 2:10pm Saturday time slot on a (hopefully) balmy autumn day and an intriguing match-up between the youth of the Bombers and experience of the Cats, and you've got all the ingredients for a ripping start to the season.

2. Friday test against the best

If you're going to make a statement on the big stage, then there's no better opportunity to do it than against the reigning premiers. The Bombers will return to Friday night footy in round three in an away clash with the Demons, while the Crows and Power battle it out in the Showdown in the first of the AFL's Friday night double-headers. With this being the Dons' only Friday game in the first half of the season, there's extra impetus to Dee-liver.

3. The biggest stage of the home and away season

From the poignancy of The Last Post to the power of the roar as the siren is sounded, no other game evokes the emotions like Anzac Day at the 'G. Since 1995, this mighty tradition has stopped the nation, playing an integral part in Essendon's rich history that enters its 150th year. Like their arch-rivals, the Bombers will field a young side with a young coach, but they'll have recent history on their side, having this year defeated the Pies on this stage (and then again in round 23) thanks to a breakout performance from Anzac medallist Darcy Parish. Who will be next to announce himself on the biggest stage of the home and away season?

2021 Anzac medallist Darcy Parish. (Photo: AFL Photos)

4. Another thriller between two sides on the rise

Essendon and Sydney. These sides have formed one of the must-watch head-to-heads in the competition - one so good that the AFL have taken notice and pitted them against each other twice in 2022. Remarkably, the largest margin in these sides' past five games has been just 10 points, with the Bombers prevailing twice. Expect another thriller when the Bombers take to the SCG - a scene of drama in recent years - for Saturday night footy in round nine. Should captain Dyson Heppell play every game prior, he'll don the sash for the 200th time in this one.

There's been barely anything separating the Bombers and Swans in recent years. (Photo: AFL Photos)

5. Dreamtime returns to the 'G

After two years on the road, the showpiece game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round returns to the stadium where it was born in round 10. While 2020 (Darwin) and 2021 (Perth) editions were incredible spectacles that have grown the allure of the Dreamtime game on a national scale, a return to a packed 'home' will be extra special in 2022. And yes, it's been far too long since the Bombers got one over the Tigers.

The Dreamtime blockbuster will return to the 'G in 2022. (Photo: AFL Photos)

6. 150-year celebration game

Remember the days where Essendon and Carlton would ALWAYS clash twice in a home and away season? It just doesn't sit right facing Carlton once (again) in 2022, but if it's any consolation, this won't be any ordinary clash against the old enemy. As the showpiece game of the Bombers' 150-year celebrations, this commemorative home match has been earmarked for the Friday night stage in round 13. Expect a wonderful spectacle under the lights of the mighty MCG.