Essendon will kick off its 2015 campaign against Sydney on a Saturday afternoon with the league releasing the fixture for round one of next season.
The Bombers will have to travel to ANZ Stadium for the encounter against the 2014 Grand Finalists.
It will be the first official home and away game in the red and black for new recruits Adam Cooney, Jonathan Giles and James Gwilt.
The match will also see the return of James Hird to the coaches box after serving his 12 month ban during the 2014 season.
Essendon will be looking to improve its recent record against the Swans having not won against the team from the Harbour City since round 20, 2011.
The AFL will unveil the complete fixture for 2015 on Thursday October 30.
Thursday
Carlton v Richmond
Saturday
Melbourne v Gold Coast
Sydney Swans v Essendon
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood
Western Bulldogs v West Coast
Sunday
St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney
Adelaide v North Melbourne
Fremantle v Port Adelaide
Monday
Hawthorn v Geelong
*Above fixture published on AFL.com.au.