The AFL will revert to a Richmond-Carlton season opener subsequent 12 months after deciding in opposition to kicking off the 2023 marketing campaign with a grand remaining re-match.
The league confirmed its round-one fixture on Sunday morning, with the announcement cynically timed to conflict with the Socceroos’ blockbuster World Cup knockout match in opposition to Argentina.
As anticipated, the Tigers and Blues will open the season for the eighth time in 9 years on Thursday, March 16 on the MCG.
Premiers Geelong will unfurl their tenth AFL/VFL flag earlier than a conflict with Collingwood on the identical venue the next evening.
The league thought-about scheduling the Cats to play vanquished grand remaining opponents Sydney on a Wednesday evening – because it did with Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs final season – however opted in opposition to it for logistical causes.
“It was determined in consultation with Geelong, the reduced capacity of GMHBA Stadium paired with a potential Wednesday night match in Melbourne, wasn’t the best option for Cats fans to travel up the highway for a midweek night match,” AFL fixtures boss Travis Auld mentioned.
There can be 4 massive MCG matches throughout 4 days in spherical one.
Melbourne and the Bulldogs do battle on Saturday evening, whereas Hawthorn tackle Essendon on Sunday in what would be the Bombers’ first match below new coach Brad Scott.
But there can be no video games in Perth within the opening spherical of the season due to a conflict with an Ed Sheeran live performance at Optus Stadium.
Both West Australian golf equipment will play away video games at Marvel Stadium, with West Coast travelling to tackle North Melbourne in a battle of the 2 backside groups from 2022.
Fremantle will face off with former coach Ross Lyon in one of many extra intriguing match-ups in spherical one.
Lyon, who was sacked by the Dockers three years in the past, has returned to St Kilda as coach following Brett Ratten’s messy exit in October.
There can be matches in each different mainland state in spherical one, with Port Adelaide internet hosting Brisbane, Gold Coast taking up Sydney and Greater Western Sydney doing battle with Adelaide.
“The two WA-based teams understand the challenges with Optus Stadium hosting the Ed Sheeran concert, and we appreciate their understanding in both clubs starting their seasons on the road,” Auld mentioned.
“Recent history has shown the competition is closer than ever and we look forward to round one setting the scene for what shapes to be a thrilling and dramatic home and away season.”
AFL ROUND ONE 2023
Thursday, March 16
Richmond v Carlton (MCG)
Friday, March 17
Geelong v Collingwood (MCG)
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne v West Coast (Marvel Stadium)
Port Adelaide v Brisbane (Adelaide Oval)
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (MCG)
Gold Coast v Sydney (Metricon Stadium)
Sunday, March 19
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide (Giants Stadium)
Hawthorn v Essendon (MCG)
St Kilda v Fremantle (Marvel Stadium)
