CLUBS YOU PLAY TWICE Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, Sydney Swans, Richmond, Carlton.

PROS Only one trip to Perth is a bonus, and so is the run into the end of the season, with four straight games in Victoria to finish the home and away year.

CONS Four of the five teams Essendon play twice played finals in 2013. From a financial point of view, the Bombers' hopes of playing Hawthorn at the MCG again did not eventuate, and they will host the reigning premiers at Etihad Stadium in round two.

HIGHLIGHTS New Bomber Paul Chapman and the club's new coach Mark Thompson will face off against their old club, Geelong, in round 15. Facing Hawthorn so early in the season is rare and will be a big contest.

TOUGHEST RUN The first month isn't easy for the Bombers. They start with North Melbourne, then have the Hawks, then play arch-rival Carlton in round three. In round four it's Essendon's first road trip to Fremantle.

TRAVEL Fremantle, Patersons Stadium (round four), Brisbane Lions, Gabba (round 10), Greater Western Sydney, Giants Stadium (round 12), Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval (round 16), Sydney Swans, SCG (round 19)

GAMES AGAINST 2013 TOP 6 Eight. Hawthorn, Carlton (twice), Fremantle, Sydney Swans (twice), Geelong, Port Adelaide.

GAMES AGAINST 2013 BOTTOM 6 Seven. St Kilda, Western Bulldogs (twice), Greater Western Sydney, Melbourne, West Coast, Gold Coast.

AFL.COM.AU ANALYSIS It could have been worse and it could have been better. Thirteen night games – spread across Friday, Saturday and Sunday – means the Bombers will be largely nocturnal in 2014 but they have grown used to that in recent seasons.