Brenton Sanderson’s first game as coach of Adelaide will be against Gold Coast in a Saturday twilight clash at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 31.

The Crows will also finish the season against the Suns.

Adelaide plays four fellow non-finalists of 2011 in the opening five rounds next year, including Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and newcomers Greater Western Sydney.

The club plays the Suns, GWS, Power, Fremantle and reigning premiers Geelong twice.

Adelaide’s first home game is against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night in round two, while former defender Phil Davis will return to AAMI Stadium for the first time as a Giant in round four.

The only finalist of last season the Crows will meet in the first five rounds is Hawthorn (round three).

Adelaide will host the first Balfours Showdown in a Sunday twilight clash in round five, with the rematch to be played on the Saturday night of round 15.

The Crows have a tough run leading into the bye in round 11, coming up against the Sydney Swans at the SCG, the Cats, Carlton at Etihad Stadium, Collingwood and then Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Adelaide is guaranteed a home game (against Gold Coast) in the ‘floating’ round 23 fixture after consecutive away games against the Brisbane Lions (Gabba) and Melbourne (MCG).