The fixture will no doubt prove significant following the events of last week that led to former Lion Mitch Clark joining the Demons during Trade Week.
But the AFL have said the clash has not been deliberately contrived, having already been set in the fixture before the Clark trade.
The Round 1 showdown will also mark the first time in six years that the Lions have kicked off their season in Victoria.
On that occasion back in Round 1 of 2006, the Lions were humbled by Geelong at Kardinia Park and, ironically, Mitch Clark made his senior AFL debut.
The highly anticipated match-up will importantly provide all Melbourne-based Lions members and supporters with an opportunity to attend the team's season-opener and hopefully help cheer the team towards a promising start to 2012.
Full details surrounding the 2012 AFL Fixture are expected to be released on Friday 28 October.
