The former rule, which was used for the first time in 2014, meant that the ladder from the previous year was split into three groups of six teams: first to six, seventh to 12th and 13th to 18th. Teams could be scheduled to play opponents within their group of six twice a maximum of three times in the next season. They then played one or two games against teams within the other grouping twice.
However, on Monday AFL Media reported that rule had changed, so teams could be scheduled (don’t say drawn, because nothing about the fixture is random) to play opponents within their group of six four times.
The AFL said the change added more flexibility to the fixture, but the real impact will be a bolstering of the equalisation measure.
And they didn’t miss last year’s grand finalists and perennial top four aspirants Geelong with their first swing.
Five of the Cats’ double-ups are against teams who finished in the top seven last season. They will play top six teams Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Adelaide and Gold Coast twice.
Brisbane Lions, the reigning premiers, only play two teams that finished in the top eight last year in their first nine matches after enduring the toughest draw last season.
Of course, the top six never repeats itself and a team always rises unexpectably from the bottom of the ladder. But on face value, the drive to get a different mix at the top of the ladder is on.
Again, it’s clear which teams the league and the broadcasters expect to shine and which they expect to stumble.
Wanganeen-Milera remains a huge St Kilda drawcard Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Poor old North Melbourne fans have not been done any favours; their poor form has not won enough of an audience to find primetime slots, while West Coast are a sleeping giant that has been asleep so long the free-to air-broadcasters put them in the sin bin.
The Bombers have been sent away from primetime to regroup. They have only two Friday night clashed handed to them – the first cashing in on Zach Merrett’s failed attempt to get to the Hawks, the second the traditional Dreamtime at the ’G clash against Richmond. Merrett will face footy’s unrequited love match on Friday night at the MCG in round one.
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St Kilda will unleash their recruits Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni against Carlton in round eight, while the Leek Aleer controversy might fuel emotions when they play the Giants in round three at Engie Stadium.
Carlton have been given a chance but won’t be seen again if the wheels fall off their season early without Charlie Curnow. The Blues play in four of the first seven Thursday night clashes, plus Good Friday against the Kangaroos, but there are no primetime promises thereafter.
Hawthorn are the biggest drawcard in town as their watchable and sometimes controversial style attracts viewers in primetime spots while Collingwood just get the job done every season. Their opening round Saints blockbuster will be backed up by a grudge match at the MCG against the Crows in round one.
The games are set. Now we just need to play and the fight for a spot in the top 10 to get under way.
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