Geelong will make its way to Alice Springs for the first time when they take on Melbourne in the red centre in February.

In another major coup the Cats will launch next preseason's NAB Challenge format with a Wednesday night clash with Collingwood at Simonds Stadium on February 12 at 7.10pm EDT.

In a new format, the AFL will  play 18 games across 18 consecutive days kicking off with the Cats clash with the Pies. Geelong will then wait until Friday February 28 to take on the Dees at TIO Traeger Park at 5.40pm CST.

All matches will be shown on Foxtel's Fox Footy channel.