The AFL will release the 2020 season fixture on Thursday morning, with Western Bulldogs already big winners having been granted their wish to return to Good Friday.

Teasers for the fixture, including the release of the Good Friday match-up and the round one games, have been released in the past week, with the rest of the season to be revealed at AFL headquarters at 11am AEDT.

The Dogs will play North Melbourne in the marquee round four match at 4.20pm AEDT on Friday, April 10 at Marvel Stadium.

Luke Beveridge’s men played the Roos in the inaugural Good Friday clash in 2017 and were dismayed to be replaced by St Kilda in 2018.

Essendon thumped North on Good Friday this year, but the Bulldogs have been rewarded for their strong finish to the season.

“We’re extremely pleased to be back playing football on Good Friday and we appreciate the opportunity the AFL has allowed us to return to the fixture,” Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said.

“We worked extremely hard to ensure the inaugural game in 2017 was a great success, and we were proud of our efforts in raising awareness and funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital, on what is an extremely important day for our community.”

The blockbuster Thursday night clash between Richmond and Carlton will launch the season once again, with the Tigers to unfurl their premiership flag at the MCG.

Collingwood and Western Bulldogs will face off on the Friday night at Marvel Stadium.

Essendon host Fremantle at the same venue on Saturday afternoon, Adelaide host Sydney and Gold Coast take on Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.

GWS will host a Saturday night double-header against Geelong in both AFL and AFLW at Giants Stadium.

North Melbourne and St Kilda open proceedings on Sunday before Hawthorn host Brisbane in one of just two MCG games for the opening round.

Melbourne’s high-stakes season will begin with an imposing trip to Perth to face a West Coast side bolstered by the acquisition of Tim Kelly on Sunday evening.

AFL ROUND 1 2020 FIXTURE (all times AEDT)

THURSDAY, March 19

Richmond v Carlton at MCG, 7.25pm

FRIDAY, March 20

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood at Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm

SATURDAY, March 21

Essendon v Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm

Adelaide v Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 4.35pm

GWS v Geelong at Giants Stadium, 7.25pm

Gold Coast v Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, 7.25pm

SUNDAY, March 22

North Melbourne v St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm

Hawthorn v Brisbane at MCG, 3.20pm

West Coast v Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 6.20pm