St Kilda will kick off their 2017 season when they host Melbourne at Etihad Stadium at 3.20pm on Sunday 26 March.

The AFL today released Round 1 of the 2017 fixture where Carlton and Richmond will again open the season, battling it out under the lights at the MCG on Thursday 23 March.

As two teams lauded as the big improvers of the 2016 season, the Saints v Demons clash will be highly anticipated with St Kilda holding a 14-game winning streak over Melbourne dating back to 2006.

The full 2017 AFL fixture is set to be released this Thursday.

2017 AFL Round 1 fixture

Thursday 23 March
Carlton v Richmond, MCG

Friday 24 March
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, MCG

Saturday 25 March
Sydney v Port Adelaide, SCG
North Melbourne v West Coast, Etihad Stadium
Gold Coast v Brisbane, Metricon Stadium
Essendon v Hawthorn, MCG

Sunday 26 March
Adelaide v GWS Giants, Adelaide Oval
St Kilda v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
Fremantle v Geelong, Subiaco