North Melbourne is set to take on Adelaide in enemy territory during the opening round of 2015.

The AFL confirmed the fixture for Round 1 on Tuesday, with Adelaide Oval to play host to the Kangaroos and Crows on Sunday, April 5 in the afternoon timeslot.

It will be Phil Walsh's first game as Adelaide's new coach, with a sell-out crowd earmarked for the blockbuster clash.

Carlton and Richmond are set to kick off the season on the Thursday night, with Good Friday again football-free.

Among the other opening round fixtures, Sydney hosts Essendon, new recruit Dayne Beams will be in action against his old side as Brisbane takes on Collingwood, and Hawthorn and Geelong continue the Easter Monday tradition.

Thursday
Carlton v Richmond

Saturday
Melbourne v Gold Coast
Sydney Swans v Essendon
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood
Western Bulldogs v West Coast

Sunday
St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney
Adelaide v North Melbourne
Fremantle v Port Adelaide

Monday
Hawthorn v Geelong