WHETHER it's a departed champion facing his former club, a traditional clash, a coach on debut or breaking a record, a milestone or just a chance to make travel plans, there are always certain games that stand out from the moment the fixture is released. 

The 2015 season has been gifted more big moments than most in the wake a hectic trade period, huge milestone games and a couple of coaches on debut. 

AFL.com.au trawled the fixture to identify the early must-sees for 2015. 

There will be more once the ball is bounced but we won't know them until the season gets rolling. 

Dayne Beams, the first club champion winner to leave Collingwood since 1995, in Lions colours against the Magpies. Ready to rumble?

Melbourne has not won the opening round since 2005 (or round two for that matter). About time it broke the duck surely? It's Rodney 'Rocket' Eade's first game as the Suns coach and he won't want to lose. 

This games promises to be another fiery clash. Their last encounter in round 20 went down to the wire when Docker David Mundy missed a shot at goal after the final siren. 

The traditional rivals lock horns in a Saturday afternoon special at the MCG. The clash will be the only time the two sides meet next season – the first time since 1992 the bitter rivals haven't played twice.

Anzac Day will feature a bumper five-game fixture next season, headlined by the traditional Bombers-Magpies clash. The day will mark the 100th anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli.

Fans in Wellington, New Zealand will see two clubs that have been around since 1897 do battle. Mick Malthouse hasn't been around quite that long but he will equal Magpie legend Jock McHale's long-standing record of 714 games coached –at a venue where he has never coached before. 

Master tactician Phil Walsh steps into the Adelaide coach's box to take on Port Adelaide, his former club, for the first time in a match for premiership points. The joint will be rocking. 

Malthouse surpasses McHale's 'unbreakable' coaching record of 714 games. Enough said. Full house. 

James Frawley versus draft pick No.3 could become young Paddy McCartin v Frawley. Revenge for Demons fans?

If the veteran doesn't miss a game, Dustin Fletcher will become the third player to play 400 games in round seven against North Melbourne. Given the Bombers play Fremantle away in round six and he might need the odd rest, we suggest it should happen in round nine when Richmond play Essendon in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash. Either way, he will be 40 years old when it happens. 

The Grand Final rematch is set to be an intriguing battle. Bragging rights will be at stake as superstar Buddy Franklin takes on his old teammates at the reigning premier. A must-see game.

Rocket versus Buckley. Ablett versus Pendlebury. Young versus his bitter memories of 2014. 

Departing captain Ryan Griffen returns to confront his former teammates who have an ex-Giant, the 200cm Tom Boyd, in their ranks. Emotions will be high. 

Alice Springs. A backdrop to die for as footy reaches the outback. Make the journey. It's worth it.  

He symbolised a premiership era at Collingwood but Heritier Lumumba is now a Demon. What can he provide to the Demons?

Tensions will be running high when former Bombers ruckman Paddy Ryder takes on his old team. The 26-year-old was traded to the Power, seeking a fresh start as a result of the supplements saga.

Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney takes on his former side. Can the cushy floor at his new Tullamarine digs really help the 29-year-old overcome his knee issues?

 

Malthouse gave departing forward Jarrad Waite a send-off on radio when he left, unhappy with the 31-year-old's decision to join North Melbourne. It's therefore doutbful the coach will welcome the new Roo with a smile and a handshake when Waite plays against the club with which his dad, Vin, played in a premiership. 

 

Buddy Franklin heads to Simonds Stadium for the first time since he represented WA as a junior in 2004 and kicked the winning goal against Vic Metro. On a Saturday night, Geelong will be pumping in anticipation. 

Why not? It always delivers, even in October.