Essendon will kick off its 2014 VFL campaign against Casey at Windy Hill on Sunday April 6.

The Bombers will play five home games in the first eight rounds giving fans a great opportunity to watch the club’s reserves team in action.

VFL Operations Manager Matthew Little said the fixture provided fans with a great opportunity to show their support for the red and black.

“To have five games at the club’s traditional home ground in our first eight matches is a great opportunity for our fans to come out and support us,” Little said.

“We also are very excited to be playing the day after ANZAC Day against Collingwood at Windy Hill in what will be the second Blue Star Cup.”

“It is exciting to be playing against our arch rivals at our home ground just 24 hours after the traditional ANZAC Day clash in the AFL.”

With the rest of the competition having a bye in Round 11 due to a state league game Essendon and Richmond will still play in the lead up to the Dreamtime at the G clash between the two AFL clubs.

The 2014 season will start with a split first round on March 29 with the Finals Series set to kick off on August 30.

Each VFL club will have two byes, with the byes this year aligned where possible to the bye of their AFL club.

Click here to download the club’s 2014 VFL fixture.