A blockbuster opening against an old rival, a trip north and a game in Bendigo - that’s the snapshot of the Bombers JLT Community Series fixture.

Essendon will open the AFL's pre-season competition on Thursday February 16th against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium.

Ten days later the Dons will head to Mackay in Queensland for a Sunday afternoon clash against Gold Coast.

The final pre-season match will be a prelude to the second instalment of Country Game when the Bombers meet Geelong in Bendigo.

The three pre-season games will act as a tune-up ahead of the Dons round one season opener against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday March 25th.

MATCH 1

‪Thursday, 16 February

Collingwood Vs Essendon

Etihad Stadium

7:40pm EDT‪

MATCH 2

‪Sunday, 26 February‪

Gold Coast Suns Vs Essendon

Harrup Park Country Club (Mackay)

3:40pm EST‪

MATCH 3

‪Sunday, 12 March‪

Geelong Cats Vs Essendon

Queen Elizabeth Oval (Bendigo)

4:10pm EDT