Essendon is set for an enormous opening to the 2019 season, with boom recruit Dylan Shiel poised to take on his former side Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.

The Bombers will need to wait until 3.20pm on Sunday, March 24, to start their campaign against the Giants after Carlton and Richmond kick off the season on Thursday, March 21.

Shiel recently rejoined former GWS teammates Devon Smith and James Stewart at The Hangar, setting up a mouth-watering grudge match to begin the season with a bang.

One of Essendon’s best victories this year came against the Giants at Spotless Stadium in round 10, when a six-goal final term from the Bombers saw them romp away to an outstanding 35-point win. 

The game proved to be an important turning point for the side after its slow start to the season, with the interstate breakthrough leading to four more wins outside of Victoria throughout the remainder of the year.

The rest of the fixture will be announced on Wednesday, October 31, with the pre-season fixture announced on Monday, October 29.