The Coon Dog
19-10-2008, 03:01 AM
To be released on Friday.
Freo away first up.
Vic clubs to stay home (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24517197-19742,00.html)
ESSENDON and the Western Bulldogs will be the only Victorian clubs to travel in next year's opening AFL round.
While the draw for next season will be officially released on Friday, and therefore remains subject to change, it is believed eight of the 10 Victorian clubs will play in their home state in Round 1.
The Bombers have been drawn to meet Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, while the Bulldogs will head across the Nullarbor to meet Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.
In the draft version of the 2009 draw, Richmond and Carlton are scheduled to kick off the season on a Thursday night.
The Tigers and the Blues drew a crowd of 72,552 to this year's opening game, which was on the eve of Good Friday. Given the improvement of both sides, the AFL would hoping to match that figure.
Another big crowd would be expected the following night when 2008 grand finalists Hawthorn and Geelong meet in the first Friday night game of the season.
They drew 86,179 to their Round 17 game this year, while the Grand Final attracted 100,012.
The Saints and the Swans will meet in Round 1, as they did this season, while Collingwood will likely play Adelaide.
Melbourne is poised to host North Melbourne in the 1pm Sunday game, ensuring no Victorian matches clash with the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, which will start next year at the later time of 5pm.
Freo away first up.
Vic clubs to stay home (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24517197-19742,00.html)
ESSENDON and the Western Bulldogs will be the only Victorian clubs to travel in next year's opening AFL round.
While the draw for next season will be officially released on Friday, and therefore remains subject to change, it is believed eight of the 10 Victorian clubs will play in their home state in Round 1.
The Bombers have been drawn to meet Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, while the Bulldogs will head across the Nullarbor to meet Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.
In the draft version of the 2009 draw, Richmond and Carlton are scheduled to kick off the season on a Thursday night.
The Tigers and the Blues drew a crowd of 72,552 to this year's opening game, which was on the eve of Good Friday. Given the improvement of both sides, the AFL would hoping to match that figure.
Another big crowd would be expected the following night when 2008 grand finalists Hawthorn and Geelong meet in the first Friday night game of the season.
They drew 86,179 to their Round 17 game this year, while the Grand Final attracted 100,012.
The Saints and the Swans will meet in Round 1, as they did this season, while Collingwood will likely play Adelaide.
Melbourne is poised to host North Melbourne in the 1pm Sunday game, ensuring no Victorian matches clash with the Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, which will start next year at the later time of 5pm.