A blockbuster opening against an old rival, a trip north and a game in Bendigo - that’s the snapshot of the Bombers JLT Community Series fixture.
Essendon will open the AFL's pre-season competition on Thursday February 16th against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.
Ten days later the Dons will head to Mackay in Queensland for a Sunday afternoon clash against Gold Coast.
The final pre-season match will be a prelude to the second instalment of Country Game when the Bombers meet Geelong in Bendigo.
The three pre-season games will act as a tune-up ahead of the Dons round one season opener against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday March 25th.
MATCH 1
Thursday, 16 February
Collingwood Vs Essendon
Etihad Stadium
7:40pm EDT
MATCH 2
Sunday, 26 February
Gold Coast Suns Vs Essendon
Harrup Park Country Club (Mackay)
3:40pm EST
MATCH 3
Sunday, 12 March
Geelong Cats Vs Essendon
Queen Elizabeth Oval (Bendigo)
4:10pm EDT
