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THE Western Bulldogs will seek a multicultural-round blockbuster against a power Victorian club as part of their fixture request for next season.
The Age can reveal the Dogs have already begun to seriously think about their wish-list, having endured a rugged 2012 fixture from a commercial and playing perspective.
Home attendances are only 23,860 on average in eight games, although this includes the 8724 who showed up in Darwin for the clash against the Gold Coast, and membership has also dipped.
The Bulldogs are not the only team to suffer in what has been a tough economic environment and with all matches now broadcast live on television. The Dogs also have a team that is rebuilding.
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Bulldogs chief executive Simon Garlick said yesterday the multicultural-round clash would be a cornerstone of his request.
''From a footy perspective, the club is placing an emphasis on seeking a reduction in the number of six-day breaks, following eight this season,'' he said.
''We are also very focused on securing a continued solid commercial draw in 2013. This would include a match against a major Melbourne club as the cornerstone of multicultural round - given the Bulldogs represent Melbourne's west, one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country.''
The Bulldogs were the away team in this year's multicultural round when they played Essendon at Etihad Stadium. The Bombers would be one club the Bulldogs would look to host.
Bulldogs president David Smorgon told the club faithful during his pre-match address against Collingwood in round six that more needed to be done to develop blockbusters for clubs not regarded as traditional heavyweights.
The AFL has recently opened requests for the fixturing wish-lists of all clubs. This comes as Carlton and Richmond await a decision on whether they will play in their traditional opening to the season at the MCG. The teams have rejected plans for the game, the season-opener for the past five seasons, to be at Etihad Stadium.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou last month said the opening round would be a week earlier than normal, at Etihad - to permit two byes throughout the season as requested by the players - and while the Tigers-Blues game worked well launching the season, it would most likely be round two or three.
The AFL has been unable to strike a deal with Cricket Victoria, which has rights to the MCG until the end of March, in case there is a Victorian Sheffield Shield final.
Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett was upset that of the Hawks' four home matches in Launceston this year only one was against a Victorian-based side. It's understood the Hawks will ask for at least one more match against a Victorian side.
Essendon was angry it had only one home match in its opening five, and will ask for at least one more. The Bombers, however, will have the traditional Anzac Day clash against Collingwood as a home game next season, which typically falls in the opening five weeks of the season.
It's understood North Melbourne would again be interested in staging a season opener against the Bombers.
St Kilda will also play on Anzac Day next season, with a night clash to be held at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. It's understood the Saints are close to releasing details, with a preferred opponent a club from the eastern seaboard. Brisbane Lions have shown interest. The AFL has also indicated it will add more Monday night games.
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