The new draw boasts a number of key changes.

The biggest is to the dates of the finals.

This year’s AFL North West grand final has been moved forward from September 16 in the original draw to September 9.

The entire finals series has been brought forward with the opening week of the post-season slated for August 26 and the preliminary final scheduled for September 2.

The other dates remain the same with the home-and-away season commencing on April Fools’ Day (April 1) and consisting of 18 rounds, although there has been some slight changes to the order of games.

Tamworth Kangaroos will have to wait a week to get into the action after receiving the bye in the opening round.

The Roos are also slated for byes in round 8 (May 27) and round 17 (August 12).

Their first game is the blockbuster grand final re-match against New England Nomads in round two at Armidale on April 8.

The appointment of Ben Mitchell as coach has provided some bounce in the step of Tamworth Kangaroos.

Tamworth Swans are now locked into opening its campaign on the road at Narrabri Eagles.

The Swans also have three byes during the home-and-away season, scheduled for round 2 (April 8), round 9 (June 3) and round 18 (August 19).

Three Tamworth Derby showdowns permeate the calendar, the first now in round 4 on April 29.

The crosstown rivals then square-off on June 24 (round 11) and August 5 (round 16).