The official AFL draw is released today, but The Canberra Times understands that the ACT Government has been granted its wish for an early-season Saturday afternoon fixture next year.

The Swans and Bulldogs will return in a replay of the round 10 game they played at Manuka Oval in May this year.

In that Saturday afternoon game, 12,457 people turned out to watch the Bulldogs comprehensively beat the Swans by 40 points.

Next year's match is expected to attract a sell-out crowd if Bulldogs recruit Barry Hall plays. It will be his first game against the Swans, who he left through this season after a series of on-field incidents.

The exact date of the match and more details will be available from 10am today when the AFL releases its official 2010 draw.

Manuka Oval has already been confirmed as host for a 2010 pre-season NAB Cup match between the Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions on February 14.

Canberra will also host a Western Bulldogs community camp leading into the NAB Cup match.

Merryn Sherwood