HAWTHORN chief executive Stuart Fox admits his side faces a "start from hell" but says it's something the club simply must deal with.

The Hawks will open their 2013 campaign against Geelong in an Easter Monday blockbuster on April Fools Day. Their first seven matches are against teams from this season's top eight.

"It's probably the start from hell - it's a really, really tough start," Fox told AFL.com.au.

"It will be a very big challenge, but if you want to be there in September you've got to compete.

"There's no point in stewing on it."

Hawks fans are also angry about a home game against the Eagles to be played at Etihad Stadium in round 13.

"We asked for that not to happen, but it has happened, it's got a lot to do with Etihad not getting finals fixtures this year," Fox said. 

"The fixture is exactly what it is, and there's not much you can do about it.

"We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure that our members are looked after."

As well as the Eagles, Hawthorn will play the Sydney Swans, Collingwood, Geelong and North Melbourne twice in 2013.

Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL