The Bombers have had their first 15 games locked in for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with the AFL revealing the fixture today.

Essendon’s season will open on Sunday, March 19 at the MCG with a clash against traditional rivals Hawthorn at 3.20pm.

The club’s first home game will follow in Round Two on Sunday, March 26 at 3:20pm against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium.

Round Three will see the Bombers take on St Kilda in a Saturday night clash at the MCG, where the Saints will celebrate their 150th Anniversary.

The Bombers’ three marquee games will all be at the MCG, with Anzac Day scheduled for Round Six, the Country Festival against Geelong in Round Seven, and Dreamtime at the 'G in Round 10.

With 11 home games, Bombers’ members will have plenty of opportunity to get behind their team, so there’s no better time to join the red and black family with 2023 memberships now on sale.

Interstate members won’t miss out either, with the Bombers travelling to South Australia twice, facing the Lions at the Gabba in Round Nine, two trips to Optus Stadium to take on Fremantle and West Coast with a round 23 match-up against GWS at GIANTS Stadium.

Throughout the 24-round home and away season, the Bombers will play at Marvel Stadium eight times and the MCG for seven games.

Essendon President Dave Barham said there was plenty for fans to be excited about in 2023.

“From our opening clash with the Hawks, to our traditional blockbusters in Anzac Day and Dreamtime, there will be lots of big moments in 2023 for Essendon members and supporters,” Barham said.

“With 11 home games, split between Marvel and the MCG, we can’t wait to see our Victorian-based members come out to support as we begin this new chapter of the Essendon Football Club.

“We also can’t wait to visit our members in South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia. With six away trips, this is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our interstate members and for fans across the nation to show their support.

The AFL has selected Essendon and Carlton as the inaugural clubs in the King’s Birthday Eve clash at the MCG. Ahead of the traditional King’s Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood, the Bombers will face off against Carlton on Sunday, June 11 at the MCG from 7:15pm.”

Essendon will face the reigning premiers twice, in Round Seven at the MCG and a trip down the highway to GMHBA Stadium fixtured for Round 18.

The remaining eight games will be confirmed later in the season.