HAWTHORN will take on Melbourne in a practice match in the lead-up to the 2014 home and away season in March next year.

The AFL announced on Monday evening the Hawks will take on the Demons at Casey Fields on Saturday 8 March, with a time to be confirmed.

The practice match will follow two NAB Challenge matches for the Hawks, who will take on Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium and North Melbourne at Aurora Stadium in the lead-up to season 2014.

View Hawthorn’s NAB Challenge fixture here.

The Hawks open season 2014 in a twilight home game in Tasmania on Saturday 22 March against Brisbane Lions.