West Coast and Fremantle will face off in the 62nd western derby on Sunday, April 19 next season, in what will be a welcome respite from the road for both teams the week after Gather Round.

But WA fans will have to wait three weeks into the season to see the Eagles and Dockers play at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle will tackle Melbourne on Saturday, March 21 in round two in their first home game of the season, followed by West Coast and North Melbourne at Optus Stadium the following day.

The Eagles and Dockers will be forced to open their season on the road as Optus Stadium hosts a Women’s Asian Cup soccer semifinal just days after the AFL’s round one.

The AFL will again launch the new football year with Opening Round when star Sydney recruit Charlie Curnow is expected to face his old team C

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