The AFL Fixture: A New Era with Challenges
With the addition of the Opening Round and Gather Round to the calendar in recent years, the AFL fixture has faced some significant challenges. The early byes over the first four weeks of the season have introduced some unusual elements to the schedule. Speaking on the Six Points AFL podcast, Mark Stevens has described the current setup as a “disaster.”
“I think the fixtures have been half a disaster, in fact probably a total disaster,” Stevens said.
With all teams set to play for the first time since Round 1 in Gather Round this weekend, AFL fans will finally get a full suite of games. However, fans of one of the biggest clubs in the league will miss out on seeing their team play at home for an extended period of time.
Collingwood played their last home game at the MCG on March 14 and won’t play a home game at the MCG again until April 30, against Hawthorn. This means there will be a six-week gap between their home games at the iconic venue.
“I had a meeting at Collingwood last week, just with the head of media there, and just trying to promote games of footy at the moment is crazy, this is a crazy stat, which was pointed out,” Stevens said.
“Collingwood home games at the MCG, which is the cornerstone of footy, it’s the holy grail, it’s a big event, Collingwood at the MCG, playing at home. So they played March 14 versus Adelaide at the MCG, first game, their next home game at the MCG is April 30, so they’ve got six weeks in between home games at the MCG.”
“This is Collingwood, this is the showcase, so people there are trying to promote, get people up and about, get their social club moving, get everything working… let’s have a six-week break before we play a home game at the MCG, that is madness.”
Impact on Fans and Club Operations
The long gap between home games at the MCG has raised concerns among fans and club officials. The MCG is not just a venue; it’s a symbol of the sport’s history and tradition. For a club like Collingwood, which has a massive fan base, the absence of regular home games can affect attendance and engagement.
The club is currently preparing for their Gather Round match against Fremantle in Adelaide on Friday night. This game is crucial for them as they look to build momentum ahead of the rest of the season.
Fans are encouraged to watch the game either through the Six Points with Harf and Stevo player above or by heading to the Zero Hanger YouTube channel. Alternatively, they can listen to the podcast wherever they get their podcasts.
Looking Ahead
As the AFL continues to evolve, the scheduling of matches remains a critical factor in maintaining fan interest and ensuring the integrity of the competition. The recent additions to the calendar have brought both opportunities and challenges for teams and supporters alike.
While the Gather Round provides a chance for teams to compete in different locations, it also highlights the need for a more balanced approach to fixture planning. Clubs like Collingwood, with their strong connection to the MCG, are particularly affected by the current structure.
With the upcoming games, there is hope that the AFL can find a way to address these issues and ensure that fans continue to enjoy the sport in its best form.
