Essendon will face off against the Western Bulldogs in Round 1 of the 2011 home and away season.
The 24-round fixture announced by the AFL today, will see the Bombers play three Friday night games and eight Saturday night matches.
The 2011 fixture will also see Essendon travel interstate five times to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on two occasions.
General Manager of Football Operations Paul Hamilton said the Bombers will be working hard over the pre-season to ensure they are well prepared for any challenges that the 2011 fixture presents.
""Our view as a club is that all good sides in this competition should be prepared to play any team, at any ground and at any time,"" Hamilton told essendonfc.com.au.
The Bombers will play the Western Bulldogs, West Coast Eagles, Sydney Swans, and arch rivals Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond twice.
Essendon's two bye rounds fall in Round 10 and Round 24.
