The Brisbane Lions will open their AFL Premiership campaign in Melbourne for the second year in a row - this time against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon 30 March at Etihad Stadium.

The confirmation came after the AFL revealed the complete schedule of Round One matches, which will be spread across two weekends from Friday 22 March to Monday 1 April.

The Lions had earlier been advised by the AFL that they weren’t being scheduled their regular Easter Thursday blockbuster at the Gabba due to ground availability.

The news is sure to be well received by the Club’s loyal Victorian fan base, who also had the opportunity to be there for the Lions’ season-opener last year against Melbourne at the MCG.

Coincidentally, the Club’s first-up opponent will be the Western Bulldogs - the same side the Lions played in their final match of 2012.

Victorian-based Lions fans won’t soon forget the team’s last meeting against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium back in Round 13 of last season, as it marked the celebration of the Club’s inaugural Hall of Fame event.

On that occasion the Lions prevailed by 58 points, with Ash McGrath booting five goals and Tom Rockliff collecting an equal Club record 40 disposals.

With 2013 Brisbane Lions memberships set to be launched soon, the Club encourages all Victorian fans to sign up early to ensure they’re ready to go for Round One.

The full 2013 AFL fixture is set to be completed later this month.