Essendon 2019 AFL fixture and analysis from Herald Sun experts

SEE who the Bombers play every week in the 2019 season and the pros and cons from next year’s draw.

Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell.

THE AFL is banking on an Essendon resurgence to lift AFL TV ratings next season.

The big win: Sponsors last seen doing cartwheels. String of prime time games mixed with four themed blockbusters.

The major concern: Challenging start with four six-day breaks in the first six rounds.

Prime time factor: Enormous. A combined seven Thursday and Friday night games.

Get your tickets: Anzac Day.

Club says: “We are pleased with our commercially strong fixture and our members and supporters will welcome the number of blockbuster games we proudly feature in throughout the first half of our season.” — CEO Xavier Campbell

EVERY GAME: SEE THE FULL 2019 FIXTURE HERE

ANALYSIS: WHICH CLUB HAS THE TOUGHEST DRAW?

PLAN NOW: 11 GAMES YOU CAN’T MISS

ESSENDON 2019 FIXTURE

Round 1: GWS Giants at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sunday March 24 at 3.20pm (Away)

Round 2: St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, Saturday March 30 at 4.35pm (Home)

Round 3: Melbourne at MCG, Friday April 5 at 7.50pm (Away)

Round 4: Brisbane Lions at MCG, Saturday April 13 at 2.10pm (Home)

Round 5: North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, Friday April 19 at 4.20pm (Away)

Round 6: Collingwood at MCG, Saturday April 25 at 3.20pm (Home)

Round 7: Geelong Cats at MCG, Sunday May 5 at 3.20pm (Away)

Round 8: Sydney Swans at SCG, Friday May 10 at 7.50pm (Home)

Round 9: Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, Saturday May 18 at 7.25pm (Home)

Round 10: Richmond at MCG, Saturday May 25 at 7.25pm (Away)

Round 11: Carlton at MCG, Sunday June 2 at 3.20pm (Home)

Round 12: Bye

Round 13: Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, Friday June 14 at 7.50pm (Home)

Round 14: West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, Thursday June 20 at 8.10pm (Away)

Round 15: GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium, Thursday June 27 at 7.20pm (Home)

Round 16: Sydney Swans at MCG, Saturday July 6 at 1.45pm (Home)

Round 17: North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, Saturday July 13 at 4.35pm (Home)

Round 18: Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, Friday July 19 at 7.50pm (Away)

Round 19: Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium, Sunday July 28 at 4.40pm (Away)

Round 20: Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, Saturday August 3 at 1.45pm (Home)

Round 21: Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, Saturday August 10 at 7.25pm (Home)

Round 22: Fremantle at Optus Stadium, Saturday August 17 at 8.10pm (Away)

Round 23: Collingwood at MCG, Time and Date TBC (Away)

* May swap to Sunday May 19 at 1.10pm depending on availability of Marvel Stadium for A-League Grand Final

GARY BUCKENARA: ESSENDON BOMBERS LIST ANALYSIS