HAWTHORN will play Geelong in Round 1 of the 2016 AFL season.
The Cats will host the Hawks on Easter Monday (March 28) at the MCG.
The Hawks and Cats have played against each other on Easter Monday for the past four seasons, from 2012 to 2015.
Hawthorn has won five of the sides’ past six meetings.
In Round 1 last season, the Hawks recorded a 62-point win against the Cats, and followed that up with a 36-point win in Round 20.
A new-look Cats outfit set to feature star recruits Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Selwood and Lachie Henderson will be desperate to impress against the three-time reigning premiers in next year’s season opener.
Round one fixture
Thursday, March 24
Richmond v Carlton, MCG
Saturday, March 26
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney, MCG
Gold Coast v Essendon, Metricon Stadium
Sydney Swans v Collingwood, ANZ Stadium
North Melbourne v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium
Sunday, March 27
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium
Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval
West Coast v Brisbane Lions, Domain Stadium
Monday, March 28
Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG
