Hawthorn will take on Geelong in its long-awaited return to football in a Friday night blockbuster clash at 7.50pm on June 12.

The Hawks will venture down the highway to face the Cats at GMHBA Stadium for the club’s first appearance at the venue since Round 3 2006.

Hawthorn boasts a surprisingly strong record at the ground, having won nine of their past 12 games there. 

Jarman Impey takes us on a guided tour to show how the Hawks are adjusting to their new normal

The date will mark 82 days between Rounds 1 and 2, as the Hawks look to “back up” their impressive Round 1 win over the Brisbane Lions.

The meeting of traditional rivals will be a theme across the Round 2 fixture with Port Adelaide-Adelaide and Collingwood-Richmond match-ups also featuring in the week footy returns.

The new schedule of matches will likely be released in four-week blocks, allowing the AFL flexibility to adapt to changing coronavirus restrictions later in the year.

The restart to competition follows weeks of negotiations between the AFL, state governments, health authorities and clubs.