LET'S face it, we're pumped for every game of footy after the COVID-19 hiatus.
FIXTURE REVEAL New timeslot, primetime crackers, double-headers
But some games are a little more appealing than others when looking ahead to the AFL's fixture of matches from round two-five, which was released on Monday.
Here are nine games you can't miss.
FULL STATEMENT Return to play fixture
Round two, Collingwood vs. Richmond, Thursday, June 11, MCG, 7:40pm
Footy's back. The return of the competition kicks off with two of the biggest clubs locking horns at the MCG under lights. The premiership contenders were due to play in round two under the scrapped fixture and should provide a high-quality contest.
Round two, Geelong vs. Hawthorn, Friday, June 12, GMHBA, 7:50pm
One of the best rivalries of this century takes a twist as the Hawks head down the highway for the first time since 2006. The Cats will be hoping their home ground advantage could assist in a clash that is usually staged at the MCG on Easter Monday.
Round two, Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide, Saturday, June 13, Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm
Plenty of work has been done behind the scenes to ensure this game gets played in Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, and it will be like no Showdown before it given empty stands. Expect a tough battle between two sides who missed the finals last year.
Round two, Sydney vs. Essendon, Sunday, June 14, SCG, 3:35pm
Can it be the 'Joe Daniher Cup' even if Daniher won't be out there? The biggest appeal for this clash is seeing Lance Franklin back in action. The silver lining of the break has been the Swans should get the champion goalkicker back from his knee injury after looking set to miss half the season. We know how much he loves playing the Bombers (he has booted more goals against them than any other club).
Round three, Western Bulldogs vs. Greater Western Sydney, Friday, June 19, Marvel Stadium, 7:50pm
In what will be the first time the sides have met since last year's combative elimination final, expect some fireworks. Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli played with Giants gun Toby Greene in the Big V earlier this year, but it's hard to think his Dogs mates will have forgotten Greene was fined for misconduct in that clash last year when he made contact with Bontempelli's face.
Round three, Brisbane vs. West Coast, Saturday, June 20, Gabba, 7:40pm
This shapes as the best game from the Queensland clubs in the hub. Last year's two losing semi-finalists taking on each other on the Lions' home deck. The Eagles will have settled into Queensland life by then, while Brisbane will want to begin the restart strongly after its lacklustre showing in round one.
Round four, Greater Western Sydney vs. Collingwood, Giants Stadium, 7:50pm
A rematch of last year's gripping preliminary final between the clubs at the MCG. This time around, it's in prime time at the Giants' home ground. Both clubs are genuine flag shots again in 2020 and this clash could be an important one in battling for those top positions.
Round five, Collingwood vs. Essendon, Friday, July 3, MCG, 7:50pm
The annual Anzac Day meeting between these clubs was missed for the first time since 1995 due to the shutdown period. But they'll be back on the big stage in the Friday night slot in round five. Essendon has lost five of the past six Anzac Day clashes.
Round five, Adelaide vs. Fremantle, Sunday, July 5, Metricon Stadium, 1:05pm
With the Crows and Dockers both on the road facing off at the Suns' home ground, we hope this is the last game we see in the hub format for this season. The clubs will be hoping border control measures have eased by then so the next block of games can be held at their respective true home stadiums.
