Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday March 21, 2.10pm AEDT

Last time they met: Optus Stadium, round 22, 2019: Fremantle 7.13 (55) lost to Essendon 13.9 (87) 

TV and online: Click here for broadcast guide

What it means for Essendon: After an injury-hit pre-season that saw 15 surgeries for players, the Bombers could put that behind them with a strong start to 2020. Essendon will be without key players Dyson Heppell and Cale Hooker due to injury but otherwise have most players back and available. 

What it means for Fremantle: Under new coach Justin Longmuir, the Dockers will be keen to begin their 2020 campaign in form. Playing on the road may be less of a factor for the travelling Fremantle line-up given the game will be played in an empty Marvel Stadium.

The stat: The last time Fremantle won a round one clash away from Perth was in 2014, when it travelled to Melbourne and beat Collingwood at Docklands by 70 points. 

The match-up: Rory Lobb v Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

The young Bombers defender could take on the experienced Freo and former Giants forward in what will be an intriguing battle. Zerk-Thatcher was impressive with his intercept marking throughout the Marsh Community Series, and a stopping job on Lobb would go a long way to an Essendon win.

In the spotlight: Jacob Townsend

What does the premiership Tiger have in store at his new (and third) club? The Bombers have been rapt with his pre-season, his intensity and what he's brought to the group. Expect a ferocious forward presence from Townsend after three goals in the Bombers' final pre-season clash against Geelong.

Big call: Michael Walters' bag of five not enough for the Dockers.

Prediction: Essendon by 11 points