North Melbourne will take on Richmond in the first match of the NAB Cup on February 17 while the Greater Western Sydney will start its first season in the AFL in earnest a night later against the Western Bulldogs.

The AFL released the game order for each 2012 NAB Cup triple-headers on Wednesday with the Kangaroos and Tigers given the chance to showcase their wares before they take on Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on February 17.

A night later, Greater Western Sydney will take on the Western Bulldogs in front of their home fans at Blacktown first and will round out the evening against 2011 grand finalist Collingwood.

Both West Coast and Fremantle will meet Essendon before squaring off in a Derby dress rehearsal on February 19 at Patersons Stadium.

St Kilda and the Sydney Swans lead off the second week, squaring off at Etihad Stadium on February 24 before meeting 2011 premier Geelong.

Gold Coast and Melbourne then open the action on February 25 at Metricon Stadium in a triple-header that includes the Brisbane Lions.

The first round of the NAB Cup will finish off with Adelaide and Port Adelaide doing battle at AAMI Stadium after clashing with Carlton.

2012 NAB Cup match order
February 17, Etihad Stadium from 6.45pm: Richmond v North Melbourne, North Melbourne v Hawthorn and Richmond v Hawthorn

February 18, Blacktown from 7.15pm: Greater Western Sydney v Western Bulldogs, Western Bulldogs v Collingwood and Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney

February 19, Patersons Stadium from 4.45pm local: West Coast v Essendon, Fremantle v Essendon and West Coast v Fremantle

February 24, Etihad Stadium from 6.40pm: St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Geelong v Sydney Swans and St Kilda v Geelong

February 25, Metricon Stadium from 6.10pm local time: Gold Coast v Melbourne, Brisbane Lions v Melbourne and Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions

February 26, AAMI Stadium from 2.40pm local time: Port Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide v Carlton and Port Adelaide v Adelaide