But Hawthorn supporters will have to wait until round 18 to see the superstar forward on the MCG in the return match, scheduled for the night of Saturday, July 26.
The former Hawk joined the Swans in October on a $10million deal spread over a whopping nine seasons.
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Franklin will get the chance to see face off against his old teammates on Friday, May 8 at the Sydney venue before the July rematch on the second weekend of the split round.
The timing of the first Franklin clash with Hawthorn will see Hawk full-back and Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake available to play on Buddy after serving his three-match suspension for striking Michael Walters in the Grand Final.
Every club's fixture rated
Collingwood supporters will have to wait until round seven to let former midfielder Dale Thomas know how they feel about his defection to Carlton.
The Blues will host the Magpies on Friday, May 2, before the Pies' return home game on Sunday, June 29.
The round 15 clash between the traditional rivals is one of six Sunday night games scheduled for the season.
If there wasn't enough tension between the Pies and Blues following the appointment of Mick Malthouse as Carlton coach last year, the acquisition of free agent Thomas – and highly rated sports scientist David Buttifant – this off-season will add extra spice.
New Essendon recruit Paul Chapman will have to wait until round 15 to face the team with which he won three premiership medals, Geelong.
The Cats will host the Bombers at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, June 27.
The South Australian Showdown will kick off the AFL action at Adelaide Oval in round two on Saturday, March 29 in a twilight match.
The Crows have already expressed their displeasure at the fact the Power will be the home team for this game.
While encounters between the crosstown rivals have often become heated in the past, the Power's recruitment of Jared Polec could add even more angst next season.
Both clubs were keen on Polec, who wanted to be traded home to South Australia from the Brisbane Lions, but it was the Power that won out despite the 21-year-old's friendship with Crow Brodie Smith.
The second Showdown is in round 15 on Sunday, June 29 at 3.40pm local time.
Newly appointed Melbourne coach Paul Roos will face off against his old side for the first time in round six when the Demons host the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
The match, scheduled for the night after Anzac Day, will be Roos' sixth home-and-away match at the helm of the Demons after he was appointed their coach in September.
Meanwhile, the Grand Final replay will be held in round three with Hawthorn to host Fremantle at the MCG on Friday, April 4.
The Hawks will unveil their premiership flag in Tasmania in round one against the Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium but will do it again in front of the Dockers at the 'G.
The two clubs will meet for the second time in round 21 at Patersons Stadium.
The South Australian Showdown will kick off the AFL action at Adelaide Oval in round two on Saturday, March 29 in a twilight match.
The Crows have already expressed their displeasure at the fact the Power will be the home team for this game.
While encounters between the crosstown rivals have often become heated in the past, the Power's recruitment of Jared Polec could add even more angst next season.
Both clubs were keen on Polec, who wanted to be traded home to South Australia from the Brisbane Lions, but it was the Power that won out despite the 21-year-old's friendship with Crow Brodie Smith.
The second Showdown is in round 15 on Sunday, June 29 at 3.40pm local time.
Newly appointed Melbourne coach Paul Roos will face off against his old side for the first time in round six when the Demons host the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
The match, scheduled for the night after Anzac Day, will be Roos' sixth home-and-away match at the helm of the Demons after he was appointed their coach in September.
Meanwhile, the Grand Final replay will be held in round three with Hawthorn to host Fremantle at the MCG on Friday, April 4.
The Hawks will unveil their premiership flag in Tasmania in round one against the Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium but will do it again in front of the Dockers at the 'G.
The two clubs will meet for the second time in round 21 at Patersons Stadium.
