The AFL Bulldogs will return to hosting duties at VU Whitten Oval next year, meeting Hawthorn in an AFL match simulation training session in February.

It will mark the first time the AFL program has faced opposition at the Footscray headquarters since the redevelopment began.

The match simulation will be held on Friday 23 February from 11am AEDT, a week before the two sides go head-to-head again in Tasmania in the AFL Community Series. 

The hit-out will be broadcast exclusively via Kayo Sports.

To sign-up as a Bulldogs Digital Member, which includes a 12-month subscription to Kayo Basic, click here.

More information regarding public access will be confirmed in due course.