There is no arguing the commercial logic behind “Opening Round” in which four matches will be played north of Victoria’s border to kick off the AFL season.
But that should not be the only consideration when assessing the idea that stretches the number of weekends in which AFL and AFLW games are played in this country to 39 (or 40 depending on when AFLW season starts in 2024).
The powerful Jordan De Goey was best on ground against the Giants in Collingwood’s preliminary final win and will be a key player in the opening round rematch. Credit: Getty Images
Opening round will turbocharge the game in the northern markets as it will allow government officials, corporate figures and sports fans in Brisbane and Sydney a weekend relatively free of the National Rugby League (NRL) to focus on Australian football.
The four clubs in non-traditional AFL markets have been arguing for such a boost via the fixture for years and with Andrew Dillon’s elevation to CEO they have been given a well-earned chance to launch the season.
Given the heavy lifting that quartet has engaged in for decades to grow the game beyond its traditional zones, they deserve the chance to kick with the wind.
Giants CEO Dave Matthews is full of praise for Dillon’s decision to give the two teams in Sydney “a marquee event at the right time of the year” and expects the match against Collingwood to be sold out.
Sydney CEO Tom Harley said it was “a smart decision from the code to launch the season north of the Murray”, with everyone interested in the AFL sure to be watching their Thursday night match against Melbourne.
Both Queensland clubs are also happy that the AFL has walked through the gap the NRL left in the second week of March when they decided to launch their season in Las Vegas on March 3 and scheduled games outside the capitals in round two. They didn’t have to be Nathan Cleary to find the gap, but they did act with conviction.
Bonanza or tipping point? AFL’s opening round tests fans’ stamina and patience
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15.11.2023
There is no arguing the commercial logic behind “Opening Round” in which four matches will be played north of Victoria’s border to kick off the AFL season.
But that should not be the only consideration when assessing the idea that stretches the number of weekends in which AFL and AFLW games are played in this country to 39 (or 40 depending on when AFLW season starts in 2024).
The powerful Jordan De Goey was best on ground against the Giants in Collingwood’s preliminary final win........
© The Sydney Morning Herald
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