The North Melbourne Football Club has welcomed the release of the 2012 AFL season fixture.

The following are comments from Chief Executive Officer Eugene Arocca:

"We are satisfied with the fixture as it will provide us with good opportunities both on and off the field in 2012.

“An opening match against our traditional rivals Essendon is a terrific result and we anticipate a strong crowd at Etihad Stadium.

“Three consecutive home games to start the year also gives us an opportunity to capitalize commercially.

"We are extremely excited about our two home games in Hobart and believe the round two match against the AFL’s newest franchise GWS will generate enormous interest, particularly given this will be the first ever VFL/AFL match played at Blundstone Arena, Bellerive.

“Our Melbourne based 11 game members will have two replacement games at Etihad Stadium for the two home games in Hobart.

“In addition to this, all members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Hobart matches and our Tasmania members will also have the chance to buy into Melbourne games as part of their package.”