Carlton will kick off season 2015 at the MCG in an Easter Thursday game against arch rival Richmond. 

The AFL has unveiled the opening round of the 2015 fixture, which will see a return to the traditional season opener.

Due to the ICC Cricket World Cup, the AFL season won’t begin until April 2 – meaning the 2015 AFL Grand Final will be played in October. 

It also means that MCG staff will have just four days to convert the ground back to its football alignment, following the conclusion of the cricket.

The full fixture will be revealed on Thursday 30 October. 

Round 1, 2015:

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