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Dockers, Saints to face off in early rounds

St Kilda won't have long to wait for payback on their former coach, with Fremantle set to face the Saints in Melbourne in the early rounds of season 2012.

According to the Herald Sun, the soon to be released AFL fixtures will feature a Saints-Dockers blockbuster clash possibly as early as round two.

The match was originally preferred as a round one fixture, but it is believed the AFL's preference to host the clash in Melbourne will see it pushed back.

Former coach Ross Lyon stunned the Saints faithful last month when he walked out on the club to join the Dockers with a year still to run on his contract.

Although Lyon's St Kilda deal did include an out clause, the grand final coach had previously indicated he was sticking with the Saints.

Ironically, Lyon's exit paved the way for inaugural Docker Scott Watters to take over as head coach at the Saints.

The full AFL 2012 fixture, to be released on October 28, will see all clubs travel interstate at least five times, with one bye for each side during the season.

The Herald Sun is also reporting the season may be opened with a stand-alone game between Sydney and new side Greater Western Sydney, with all other round one games to be played the following week.

The NAB Cup will kick off on February 17.