The Sydney Swans have welcomed the release of the 2019 NEAFL fixture.

Sydney will kick off its season in a cross-city clash with GWS at Spotless Stadium on April 6, while the Swans have a long list of home games to look forward to.

The Swans will host Redland at home once and GWS, Gold Coast and Brisbane at home twice, while they’re also set to host 2018 Grand Final opponent Southport in Round 15.

The 2018 season showed once again the NEAFL provides a pathway to the AFL, with five Swans transitioning from the second-tier competition to the big time in 2018.

Young Swans Ben Ronke, Tom McCartin, Ryley Stoddart, Colin O’Riordan and Darcy Cameron all honed their craft in the NEAFL and were presented with AFL debuts in 2018.

Swans development coach Jeremy Laidler says the release of the NEAFL fixture shows there's plenty to get excited about.

“It’s always exciting to be able to face GWS in the opening round of the season," Laidler said.

"The Sydney Derby has developed into a rivalry that’s only growing each year and I’m sure things will be no different in 2019.

"It’s also exciting for not only our AFL-listed players, but our Academy players, to be facing AFL sides on 12 occasions. It’s very rewarding to be testing ourselves against AFL-quality talent, while it’s also great to be playing the non-AFL clubs. They’re only going from strength to strength as the NEAFL develops.

"There’s a lot to like about the 2019 NEAFL fixture and we’re training hard ahead of an exciting campaign.”

2019 NEAFL Fixture