The 2018 AFL Fixture has landed and AFL Media have had their say. Read their verdict on the pros, cons and big games that await in 2018.

PROS: A very friendly opening to the season, with just three of their first nine matches against finalists from 2017. The Lions can also cash-in financially with home matches against powerhouse Victorian clubs Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon and Carlton.

CONS: Once again no Friday night lights, but it's hard to argue with given such a poor record over recent years. Just one match at home in the first month and playing just once at the MCG for the season also hurts.

PLAY TWICE: Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Collingwood, North Melbourne, Hawthorn.

BYE: Round 13

FIRST FOUR WEEKS: St Kilda (a), Melbourne (h), Port Adelaide (a), Richmond (a).

LAST FOUR WEEKS: North Melbourne (h), Collingwood (a), Gold Coast (a), West Coast (h).

SIX-DAY BREAKS: Four

HODGE v HAWKS: The four-time premiership Hawk will run out against his former teammates in round nine at the Gabba.

AFL MEDIA SAYS: All in all the Lions have to be happy. They have a generous fixture early (despite the lack of home games) and have a chance to notch wins before the Melbourne powerhouses come to the Gabba, where hopefully the crowds will flock. They'll have to travel to play former skipper Tom Rockliff in round three, but home games against Hawthorn (round nine) and Adelaide (round 18) will have extra spice for new recruits Hodge and Charlie Cameron.