West Coast get first look at big Dog Boyd
West Coast will face the Western Bulldogs in round one for the second season in a row in 2015.
And Fremantle will host the team which knocked them out of the 2014 premiership race - Port Adelaide - on Sunday, April 5.
Eagles great John Worsfold is on the committee to pick the new coach at the Bulldogs, with former teammate Peter Sumich among the contenders.
If Sumich is successful he would not only face his old side in his opening game, but would likely oversee the Dogs debut at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, April 4 of $7 million man Tom Boyd.
The season opener on Thursday, April 2 is between Carlton and Richmond, while former Collingwood star Dayne Beams will face his old club in his debut for Brisbane on the Saturday.
Melbourne host Gold Coast and Sydney are at home to Essendon on Saturday. The following day, St Kilda host Greater Western Sydney and North Melbourne travel to Adelaide to play the Crows. Reigning premiers Hawthorn play arch rivals Geelong on Easter Monday.
The late start to the season is due to the cricket World Cup and means the grand final will be in October.
Meanwhile, Boyd insists he won't feel any added expectations or pressure.
Boyd left GWS 12 months after joining as the No.1 draft pick because he wanted to return to Victoria. The 19-year-old denied his high-profile switch would bring added pressure from fans.
"Their expectations are only rivalled by my own," he said.
"I've always considered myself an extremely driven person.
"I want to get there quick like anyone at AFL level but at the end of the day, the only opinions that matter are that of the coaches.
"I already had the expectation on my shoulders, being the No.1 pick. If I put my best foot forward and do my best then I'll have no quarrels."
