West Coast Eagles to get Bunbury dry run against North Melbourne as AFL pre-season fixtures released

Bunbury footy fans will get a pre-season sneak preview of next June’s historic AFL clash in the South West, with West Coast and North Melbourne to meet in a scratch match at Hands Oval in March.

The Eagles will host the Kangaroos, who signed a three-year agreement to play home games in Western Australia in November, at Hands Oval on March 1, the AFL confirmed on Tuesday.

It’s set to be the first time the Eagles unveil star recruits Liam Baker, Jack Graham and Matt Owies, with departed premiership player Jack Darling a chance to line up against his former teammates for the first time.

The two clubs will return to the venue in June, with the Roos to remain in WA and play Fremantle at Optus Stadium in round 14 as part of their lucrative deal with the AFL, Tourism WA and the State Government.

Following the Dockers’ clash with the Indigenous All-Stars on February 15, the club will host Melbourne at Rushton Park on March 2.

The Mandurah venue is home to Fremantle’s WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder.

It’s set to be the first opportunity for fans to catch a glimpse of star recruit Shai Bolton in purple, with the former Tiger likely to suit up for the All-Stars in the Optus Stadium clash a fortnight earlier.

Geelong will host Essendon at GMHBA Stadium in the first official pre-season game on February 25, with Richmond to take on Collingwood at Ikon Park the following night.

Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs will clash in Launceston on Thursday night, with reigning premiers Brisbane also hosting Adelaide.

Greater Western Sydney will take on Carlton in Canberra and Gold Coast will host Sydney on Friday.

St Kilda and Port Adelaide will kick off Saturday action before the Eagles take on the Roos at 3.10pm local time.

The Dockers and Demons will round out the pre-season fixtures with the sole Sunday game at 3.10pm local time.