The AFL today released the 2009 fixture with Essendon’s season kicking off with an away clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI stadium on Sunday, March 29 at 2:40pm.
The Bombers play their first home game on Sunday, April 5 against Fremantle at the Dome at 1:10pm.
The Round 5, ANZAC Day clash with Collingwood will be played on Saturday, April 25 at 2:10pm and the Round 9, Dreamtime at the G clash with Richmond is on Saturday, May 23 at 7:40pm.
To see the full Essendon fixture click here.
“We play the top four sides from this year at the Dome and we’ve got Carlton, Collingwood and Richmond twice at the MCG,” he said.
“Victorian teams are rebounding, they finished in the top four sides last year and Carlton is on the way up, Richmond is on the way up, Collingwood is up there and we like to think we are improving so Victorian football is back.
“We play Hawthorn twice which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the 1984 Premiership and then back-to-back with 1985 so we are going to build up that rivalry and it will be a great test for us to play Hawthorn twice.
“I think it’s fantastic for Essendon supporters and opposition supporters to have those sorts of games.”
Mr Jackson welcomed the interstate clash with Brisbane at the Gabba in Round 6 on Saturday, May 2 at 7:10pm saying it is the first time the Bombers have played in Brisbane since Round 2, 2006.
“The Brisbane Bombers are one of our biggest supporter groups so to be back there is fantastic as well,” he said.
Don't forget, you can join Essendon now by calling the club membership line (9230 0390) or by coming in to Windy Hill.
- Essendon play three of the 2008 top eight sides twice (Hawthorn, Collingwood, St Kilda).
- There are no five day breaks.
- The Bombers play interstate five times.
- Essendon has three homes games in the first nine rounds.
- There are five Friday night games and seven Saturday games (this includes four Saturday night games and three Saturday afternoon games finishing with Hawthorn in Round 22 at the MCG).
