The Gold Coast SUNS will open their 2016 season with a visit from big Victorian side Essendon at Metricon Stadium on Easter Saturday.
After beginning the Rodney Eade era on Victorian soil last year against Melbourne at the MCG, the season opener returns to the SUNS' home next year.
The 2014 season begun strongly for Gold Coast with an impressive victory over Richmond in their first round clash at Metricon Stadium.
A bumper crowd of 19,425 – the ninth highest in the club’s history – packed into Metricon Stadium to witness the SUNS upstage the Tigers by three goals in an enthralling encounter.
Despite a disappointing 2015 campaign, the expected return of star midfield quartet – Gary Ablett, Jaeger O’Meara, David Swallow and Dion Prestia – will undoubtedly boost the SUNS as they endeavour to improve on last season’s output and strive towards a maiden finals appearance.
The 2016 home and away fixture is expected to be released later in the week, with the first round being released by some media outlets already.
ROUND ONE FIXTURES:
Thursday
Richmond v Carlton, MCG
Saturday
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney, MCG
Gold Coast v Essendon, Metricon Stadium
Sydney Swans v Collingwood, ANZ Stadium
North Melbourne v Adelaide, Etihad Stadium
Sunday
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium
Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval
West Coast v Brisbane, Domain Stadium
Monday
Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG
