Richmond will re-launch the 2020 AFL season with a blockbuster Round 2 clash against traditional rival Collingwood at the MCG.

The AFL released the first phase of the revised fixture on Monday afternoon, with the Tigers drawn to play three Thursday night matches between Rounds 2 and 5.

In addition to the clash against the Magpies on June 11, Richmond will host Hawthorn at the MCG on Thursday, June 18, and travel north to face West Coast at Metricon Stadium on Thursday, July 2.

01:57

Cotchin excited for Round 2 blockbuster

Trent Cotchin speaks to Richmond Media about Round 2 clash against Collingwood.

Richmond's other match in the first four-week block is a twilight encounter against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday, June 27.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said he is excited to get the season re-started, albeit playing in empty stadiums.

"Whilst our fans can't actually attend the game, we know that it's still a big game and footy's going to be back which is incredibly exciting for the community," Cotchin told Richmond Media.

"I think as a player, deep down you know that there's still a lot of excitement out there. You think back to Round 1 with no crowd, you still have in the back of your mind exactly what it does feel like knowing how great our Tiger Army is.

"They're very much missed at games, but we know that they'd be cheering pretty loud from their couches."

AFL general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said the initial rounds of resumption were designed around highlighting traditional rivalries.

"To re-launch the season we have focused on scheduling blockbuster match-ups across these four weeks, particularly in the Thursday and Friday night primetime slots," Auld said.

"As we navigate through the remaining 108 games plus finals, we will continue to be adaptable with our scheduling, ensuring our fixtures align with the relevant state government restrictions in place at the time.

"It is important for us to stay flexible and agile throughout this season, but we are looking forward to matches getting underway and supporters being able to watch their clubs and players in action again."

Future schedules of matches will be released in four-week blocks, allowing the AFL flexibility to adapt to changing coronavirus restrictions later in the year.