Essendon will open its 2021 season in a home game against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, after the AFL today revealed the round one fixture.

New senior coach Ben Rutten and his charges will be striving for a strong start in the Saturday night clash, which will kick off at 7:25pm AEDT on March 20.

The Bombers have won all eight of their season openers at Marvel Stadium, and will face the Hawks in round one for the first time since the memorable 'Comeback Game' in 2017.

The AFL is expected to announce the rest of the 2021 premiership fixture on Monday.

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