Essendon will kick off its 2015 campaign against Sydney on a Saturday afternoon with the league releasing the fixture for round one of next season.

The Bombers will have to travel to ANZ Stadium for the encounter against the 2014 Grand Finalists.

It will be the first official home and away game in the red and black for new recruits Adam Cooney, Jonathan Giles and James Gwilt.

The match will also see the return of James Hird to the coaches box after serving his 12 month ban during the 2014 season.

Essendon will be looking to improve its recent record against the Swans having not won against the team from the Harbour City since round 20, 2011.

The AFL will unveil the complete fixture for 2015 on Thursday October 30.

Thursday

Carlton v Richmond

Saturday

Melbourne v Gold Coast

Sydney Swans v Essendon

Brisbane Lions v Collingwood

Western Bulldogs v West Coast

Sunday

St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney

Adelaide v North Melbourne

Fremantle v Port Adelaide

Monday

Hawthorn v Geelong