HAWTHORN is set for a blockbuster Round 1 encounter with Geelong to start the 2015 season.
The AFL confirmed the opening round’s fixture on Tuesday night, where the Hawks and Cats will meet in the now-traditional Easter Monday clash.
With the season starting later in 2015 due to the Cricket World Cup, it means Round 1 falls on the Easter weekend in April.
The blockbuster will be a home game for the Hawks at the MCG on Monday 6 April.
The 2015 season will begin with a clash between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG on Thursday 2 April.
After losing 11 straight games against the Cats since the 2008 Grand Final, the Hawks have turned the tables and won three of the last four matches between the two sides.
The most famous of those victories came in last year’s Preliminary Final, when the Hawks overrun Geelong in the last quarter to win a thriller by five points.
Geelong had the better of Hawthorn in last year’s Easter Monday clash though, finishing strongly in the final quarter as Tom Hawkins got off the leash.
The Hawks hit back in the Round 22 meeting between the sides and then again in the Qualifying Final as the Hawks advanced after cruising to a six-goal win.
The full 2015 fixture will be released on Thursday 30 October.
Round 1 2015 fixture
Thursday
Carlton v Richmond
Saturday
Melbourne v Gold Coast
Sydney Swans v Essendon
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood
Western Bulldogs v West Coast
Sunday
St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney
Adelaide v North Melbourne
Fremantle v Port Adelaide
Monday
Hawthorn v Geelong
