Adelaide will start its 2018 season with a Friday night blockbuster against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on March 23. 

The Crows ran out 43-point winners the last time the two sides met, but there will be new faces in each of the respective change rooms come Round One next year.

Midfielders Bryce Gibbs (Carlton) and Sam Gibson (North Melbourne) arrived at West Lakes during the recent AFL Trade Period, while Essendon trio Jake Stringer (Western Bulldogs), Adam Saad (Gold Coast) and Devon Smith (GWS) could all make their club debuts.

Round 1, 2018

Friday March 23
Essendon v Adelaide
Etihad Stadium
7.50pm AEDT

The full 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture is set to be released on Tuesday October 31.