Collingwood's clash with Hawthorn headlines a number of mouth-watering fixtures pencilled-in for the opening round of the 2012 AFL season.
The Pies, to be coached for the first time by Nathan Buckley, will tackle the Hawks 'away' on Friday night at the MCG.
The previous night Richmond will host Carlton in their now traditional standalone season-opener while, on Saturday, the Demons, with new signing Mitch Clark likely to be stationed in a key forward post, entertain Clark's former side, the Brisbane Lions.
There's strong speculation that the competition's 18th side Greater Western Sydney will play the Swans in the first-ever Sydney derby, though the date is not yet locked in.
The Giants have sought for the match to be played a week ahead of the remaining eight Round 1 fixtures.
The addition of Greater Western Sydney to the competition means that all clubs will be required to travel interstate five times in season 2012.
The fixture includes 22 games across 23 weeks with each club granted a bye in Rounds 11, 12 or 13.
The grand final, which was played on 1st October this year, will move back to its traditional date on the final Saturday in September.
The NAB Cup starts on the weekend beginning February 17 for nine sides with the remaining nine sides playing the following weekend.
The 2012 fixture will be released on Friday 28 October.