Essendon members and supporters will have better access to games next season, with more ‘family friendly’ timeslots and a return to traditional MCG blockbusters, the highlight of the 2015 AFL fixture.

The club is scheduled to play seven home games on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in 2015 and will play Victorian rivals Hawthorn, Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne and Carlton all at the home of football.

CEO Xavier Campbell said Essendon fans were the big winners from the fixture released today.

“Overall, we are pleased with our fixture for 2015,” Campbell said.

“The scheduling of more games in ‘family friendly’ timeslots on Saturday and Sunday afternoons is a great result for families and our many supporters who travel from country Victoria to attend our games.”

“We are going to launch a number of new and exciting game day initiatives in 2015 with a focus on providing a uniquely Essendon match day experience and a family friendly environment at our venues.”

 “It is a tough start from a football perspective coming up against last years grand finalists in the opening two rounds and with two trips to Perth before the bye.”

“But we firmly believe our players and coaches are up to the challenge and will be competitive against any opposition no matter where we play them.”

Campbell also welcomed the return of big games against traditional rivals at the spiritual home of football.

“Next season will see us play Collingwood, Richmond, Hawthorn and Melbourne as home games at the MCG.”

“Our opening home game in Round 2 against Hawthorn at the MCG will enable our sixty-thousand plus members the opportunity to come and watch one of the great modern day rivalries.”

“Plans are also underway to pay tribute to the 1984/85 back-to-back premiership teams celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the grand final triumphs against Hawthorn.”

“Our traditional ANZAC Day clash against Collingwood in Round 4 will be played on Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of more than 95,000 fans.”

“The match next year has added significance with 2015 marking the 100 year anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. As a club, I know our players, coaches, administration and supporters are privileged and honoured to be a small part of ANZAC Day.”

“Of course everyone is excited about the prospect of Dustin Fletcher playing 400 games in the same year he turns 40 years of age, exactly when that is will depend on a number of factors but if he plays every game to start the season it could be against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in our only Friday night home game for the season.”

“The club will celebrate its strong and proud history of its Indigenous players, and work with charity partner The Long Walk at the traditional Dreamtime at the G’ clash against Richmond in Round 9.”

“2015 will also mark the ten year anniversary of the club’s ‘Call to Arms’ game and partnership with Cancer Council Victoria. The match honours Essendon champion Adam Ramanauskas and his brave battle to overcome cancer, as well as raising awareness and funds to continue the fight against cancer.”

Essendon will play five interstate games in 2015, with fans in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia all set to watch their beloved Bombers live in action.

“We receive tremendous support across the country and we’re looking forward to engaging with our passionate interstate members and fans next year.”

“The club’s record on the road has improved significantly, we played some brilliant football interstate last season and we hope to reward our supporters with more quality performances away from home.”

Essendon averaged more than 800,000 TV viewers in season 2014, and fans will once again be able to watch the Bombers on free-to-air television with thirteen of its games currently scheduled on Channel 7, with all Essendon games broadcast live on Foxtel around Australia.

The final game of the season against Collingwood at the MCG is yet to be confirmed.