Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell says the club is pleased with the balance of the 2020 home and away fixture following its release on Thursday morning. 

The Bombers will kick off the season with a big home game against Fremantle and feature heavily on the big stage again next year, and Campbell’s response to the schedule was positive.

“We are pleased with the overall balance of our 2020 AFL fixture,” Campbell said.

“We look forward to welcoming Fremantle to Marvel Stadium to launch our 2020 season in front of a home crowd on March 21, before we hit the road to face Sydney at the SCG under Friday night lights in round two.”

SEE ESSENDON'S 2020 FIXTURE

Campbell said the fixture provides plenty of benefits for all red and black fans across the country watching the Bombers both in the stands and at home. 

The Dons will face four other Melbourne-based sides in each home game on the MCG turf next year, while there are several opportunities for interstate fans to show their pride when the team is on the road.

“We’re pleased our supporters across the country will have access to watching our team on the Seven Network, which will showcase 12 of our games throughout the year,” Campbell said.

“Our Melbourne-based members and supporters will be pleased we have drawn strong home games at the MCG this season, facing Melbourne, Richmond, North Melbourne and Collingwood.

“There is also a good balance for our members and supporters with young families, with our club hosting five home games across Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the year. 

“We have the opportunity to visit our interstate members and supporters six times throughout the season, with trips to Sydney and Adelaide twice, as well as Perth and Brisbane respectively.”

Campbell admitted it was disappointing to miss out on taking part in the annual Kick for the Kids game on Good Friday after playing a key role in a successful edition alongside North Melbourne earlier this year.

“It was a privilege to fundraise for, and feature in, the Good Friday Kick for the Kids clash with North Melbourne in 2019. We are disappointed we won’t be involved in the game next year after a joint record-fundraising effort with the Kangaroos.”

With the season quickly approaching, Campbell urged Essendon’s passionate fans to sign up as members and get behind the club as it strives for success.

“As our club enters this exciting new phase, I’m sure there will be many mighty moments on the field in 2020 and we strongly encourage our fans to sign up as members to ensure they are part of what looms as an exciting season ahead.

“We look forward to welcoming our playing group back in the coming weeks to hit the ground running for the 2020 pre-season campaign.”