AFL delays 2019 fixture announcement after pressure from unhappy clubs

Mick Stirling

AFL delays 2019 fixture announcement after pressure from unhappy clubs image

The AFL has announced a delay in the release of the 2019 fixture, believed to be due to unhappiness from some clubs with the details of their draw.

The fixture was to be made public on Wednesday but has been put back to Thursday.

While the League hasn’t given any details for the reasons behind the change, whispers suggest the main problem is with the length of breaks between games.

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The blockbuster matches based around ANZAC Day are problematic at the best of times, and with the introduction of the Richmond v Melbourne clash on the eve of the traditional Collingwood and Essendon game scheduling has become an even greater nightmare.

ANZAC Day falls on a Thursday in 2019, meaning the Tigers and Demons will face off on the Wednesday night, leaving little room to move on a short recovery before the clubs’ next games.


 

Adding to the issue is that Good Friday falls the week beforehand and the AFL is wanting either Richmond or Essendon to get involved opposing North Melbourne.

The first two games on the previously vacant religious holiday saw poor crowds and television audiences as the Kangaroos took on the lowly supported Western Bulldogs in 2017 and St Kilda this year.


 

Mick Stirling