Essendon will face Sydney at the SCG in round two, following the AFL's release of the fixture for the first week of the season restart.

The Bombers and Swans will meet on a Sunday afternoon, with the times and venues for round two through to round five to be announced today at 1pm AEST.

The new schedule of matches will be released in four-week blocks, allowing the AFL flexibility to adapt to changing coronavirus restrictions later in the year.

The restart to competition follows weeks of negotiations between the AFL, state governments, health authorities and clubs.

The AFL will attempt to complete a shortened 153-game season before holding a regulation eight-team finals series, with the Grand Final likely to be played on October 24.

ROUND TWO FIXTURE

Thursday, June 11 
Collingwood vs Richmond, MCG

Friday, June 12
Geelong vs Hawthorn

Saturday June 13
Brisbane vs Fremantle, Gabba
Carlton vs Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
Port Adelaide vs Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
Gold Coast vs West Coast, Metricon

Sunday, June 14
Sydney vs Essendon, SCG
GWS vs North Melbourne, Giants Stadium
St Kilda vs Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium