1. Gold Coast v Geelong
Round 10: Saturday, May 28, Gold Coast Stadium, 7:10pm

Little Gazza's first game against his old side, having turned his back on the Cats in pursuit of the sun, and sheckels, on offer at the Gold Coast. It will also be a notable occasion because it marks the Suns' first home game at the Gold Coast Stadium, the club's earlier matches being played at the Gabba.

2. Essendon v Geelong
Round 15: Saturday July 2, Etihad Stadium, 7:10pm

One that could easily develop into a fiery affair. The Cats are still smarting over the Bombers' (likely) poaching of their coach Mark Thompson, and long-time assistant Brendan McCartney, and will be very much motivated to show James Hird's young team just who is boss - and David Evans that they are not best pleased.

3. Geelong v St. Kilda
Round 1: Friday March 25, MCG, 7:40pm

What a way to kick-start the season with the tantalising clash between the 2009 grand finalists. Geelong will be looking to avenge their preliminary final loss from last season, while St Kilda will seek to keep up their strike rate against the Cats in big matches.

4. Essendon v Western Bulldogs
Round 1: Sunday March 27, Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm

James Hird's first official game as senior coach, and expect the Essendon faithful to come out in force in support of their golden boy. Hird will be under enormous pressure to perform, having come into the job (after Matthew Knights' sacking) with no previous coaching experience to speak of, unless the Prahran under-10s counts.

5. Collingwood v St. Kilda
Round 11: Saturday June 4, MCG, 7:10pm

Grand final rematch. These two sides couldn't be separated in the first edition of the season finale, even if the replay was a blowout to the Pies. Ross Lyon will want to use the game to prove that his Saints are still very much a contender, and there'd be no better way to do that than to knock off their nemesis.

6. Geelong v North Melbourne
Round 7: Saturday May 7, Skilled Stadium, 2:10pm

The Scott twins, Chris and Brad, go head-to-head for the first time as coaches at any level. Expect the media to be swarming over the brothers leading up to the game, trying to entice that one sound-bite to start the sibling rivalry.

7. Gold Coast v Carlton
Round 2: Saturday April 2, Gabba, 6:40pm

Gold Coast's first official game, after having the bye in round one. Coach Guy McKenna will be wanting to show his crop of uncontracted players and talented youngsters are up to AFL standard. Also marks Karmichael Hunt's first official game since his crossing from the NRL.

8. Hawthorn v Geelong
Round 5: Tuesday April 26, MCG, 2:40pm

These two sides are starting to build a rivalry to rival Sydney and West Coast's during the mid-2000s, with their last four games decided by less than a goal. Another close encounter can be expected, with Geelong knowing they can give everything before having the bye the following week.

9. Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions
Round 7: Saturday May 7, Gabba, 7:10pm

The first Queensland derby, and being held on the Lions' home turf. Expect to see former Lions Jared Brennan and 2010 best-and-fairest winner Michael Rischitelli receive a lot of attention - from former teammates and the crowd - after walking out on the club in the off-season.

10. Carlton v Richmond
Round 1: Thursday March 24, MCG, 7:10pm

Night one of the new season and the AFL, and most fans, will be hoping this is not a repeat of last two opening-night fizzers between these two sides. Carlton obliterated Richmond on both those occasions but expect the much-improved Tigers to put up more of a fight this time around.