Collingwoodfc.com.au lists some of the factual oddities to arise from the AFL’s 2014 home and away fixture.

- Collingwood’s opening round clash with Fremantle on 14 March represents its earliest start to a season since it faced Hawthorn on 13 March in 2000. For the record, the Magpies trounced the Hawks in hot conditions by 54-points at the MCG.

- The clash with Fremantle will mark the first time the Magpies have played in the season opener since 2004. Collingwood kicked off the season against Richmond from 2002-2004 but have largely been tucked away in the decade since.

- Collingwood has not played the Dockers at the Docklands Stadium since round four, 2004, when the visitors got home by 34 points.

- It will be the seventh season in a row in which traditional rivals Collingwood and Richmond meet only once (in round four for the third time in four years).

- The trip interstate to play Sydney in round two will be Collingwood’s earliest ever visit to ANZ Stadium and its earliest meeting with the Swans since round four, 2000.

- Collingwood will play its fourth home game against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium since 2008 when they meet in round 13.

- The Magpies will need to wait until round three for their first match at the MCG. This has happened only twice since 1992 (in 2006 and 2011).

- The last time ANZAC Day fell on a Friday, Collingwood thrashed Essendon by 73 points.

- Collingwood will meet North Melbourne on the Easter weekend for the second year in a row and the third time since 2006.

- Collingwood will have a week off between rounds 17 and 18 as a part of the AFL’s split round.

Breaking down Collingwood’s 2014 fixture*
*Please note: The date, time and broadcaster for Collingwood’s match against Hawthorn in round 23 is yet to be determined.

Matches by timeslot
Afternoon
Saturday afternoon – 2
Sunday afternoon - 2
Monday afternoon – 1
Friday afternoon – 1
Sunday afternoon (early) – 0
Total day games: 7

Night
Friday night – 4
Saturday night – 3
Sunday night – 1
Thursday night – 1
Monday night – 0
Total night games: 8

Twilight
Saturday twilight – 3
Sunday twilight – 3
Total twilight games: 6

Matches by venue
Melbourne Cricket Ground – 14
Etihad Stadium – 3
Adelaide Oval – 1
ANZ Stadium – 1
Metricon Stadium – 1
Patersons Stadium – 1
Sydney Showgrounds – 1
Matches in Victoria: 17
Matches outside Victoria: 5

Matches by television network
Channel Seven – 12
Fox Footy – 9