1 hour ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

Thus creating a compromised fixture that disadvantages, seriously disadvantages, 2 sides in the competition more heavily than any other. It also dilutes the ANZAC eve game. You won't see best teams playing. so what the hell is the point. 

So give up the Anzac Eve game then.  And don't give me the "We play Thursday night, Richmond play Friday" argument that @Demon Spofforth floated - it would mean one ot the two teams would have an extra day break.

You want marquee games like this, you have to be willing to give something up for them.

2 hours ago, Demon Spofforth said:

Maybe its done Rd 3 vs Bombers re: Daniher link

The big freeze is synonymous with the QB game. It's a stand alone game on a Public holiday so anyone can attend. I can understand the sentiment with Essendon but that in itself would have to become another separate 'blockbuster' game they're involved in on top of Anzac day and dreamtime games. It's currently a moving target and trying to find another date/PH for a stand alone will be difficult for the AFL.

I very much doubt it will change. 

I'm very surprised Essendon is playing North Melbourne on Good Friday. Only because it can't be a long term solution given that Good Friday and ANZAC Day can be so close that they could encompass one round of football. For that reason, I thought none of Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne or Essendon would ever be chosen to play on Good Friday. If the AFL really wants to make Good Friday football a success I would have thought they would have tried to create an ongoing "blockbuster" involving North and another team who would play that day every year. Logic suggests that "other team" should be Carlton being the only potential powerhouse team that doesn't have a locked in commitment for Easter or ANZAC Day/Eve.

4 hours ago, Mazer Rackham said:

"I, Eddie McGuire, the Collingwood Football Club (the two things being the one indivisible entity), actual controller of all things AFL,  hereby grant the hapless MFC the gift of CFC playing one more game at the G, of the CFC not having to travel, and of the CFC reaping the $$$ from its social club in the Ponsford stand. You may now rise."

I'm okay with sharing it. But it's not Eddie's to give or take away.

Ironic that the filth are sponsored by Emirates, a company that travel. Perhaps they could be sponsored by the local uber service or train network, more local!

3 hours ago, In Harmes Way said:

Disappointed the QB and Anzac eve games are both away. It would have been good to alternate 1 as a home game each yr.

but they'll be home games next year so what's the difference?  the accountants should be able to handle the difference for one year going we will cash in next year

edit. although if you mean not having a reserved seat etc then fair enough

Edited November 1, 20186 yr by DubDee

2 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:

If we are good enough we make Top 4. I like the fixture 

Great free to air exposure 

Corporate dream

MCG home games against 4 MCG powerhouses, 2 of our annual blockbusters. The flow on effect for sponsorship and attracting players is massive 

No room for complacency for the players with this fixture as the job needs to be on from the time we arrive back

Spot on mate. Big chance to lure the likes of Kelly to Melbourne in 2020 on the back of another strong season, but a vastly improved fixture list with exposure on the big stage.

52 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I'm very surprised Essendon is playing North Melbourne on Good Friday. Only because it can't be a long term solution given that Good Friday and ANZAC Day can be so close that they could encompass one round of football. For that reason, I thought none of Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne or Essendon would ever be chosen to play on Good Friday. If the AFL really wants to make Good Friday football a success I would have thought they would have tried to create an ongoing "blockbuster" involving North and another team who would play that day every year. Logic suggests that "other team" should be Carlton being the only potential powerhouse team that doesn't have a locked in commitment for Easter or ANZAC Day/Eve.

I agree, although I think Essendon are the stop-gap until Carlton dig themselves out of the mire. The AFL want a close contest. Essendon are more likely to provide a better account of themselves (with a large audience watching) than Carlton would.

Had a look at the fixture. Super excited with the extra exposure. If we are good enough we have nothing to fear. Those on here having a whinge about the difficulty of the draw get a life. If we are good enough then we will win most of them.

3 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Not a bad draw at all, apart from the NT debacle still being played out. F$&@“

Being shunted down to the Cattery again is just ridiculous, but Jeelong get what they want. 

It’s a tough draw, why not. We want to be a Power side, we EXPECT to beat anyone. The days of searching for the soft option must be gone. 

I guess Coach Goodwin starts serious work today....

Agree.   however this type of draw should make it possible to stop selling our home games to NT in the next couple of years surely.  attendances should be up 20% on last year you'd reckon.

When we win the flag next year, the tough draw won't mean very much at all.

Tough draw, but that's what happens when you're seen as a top 4 side. It's been a LONG time since we were in this position. The boys will embrace it. Loving the extra tv exposure.

Gees its good not to be a basket case club any more. So many exciting games at great spots.

the first 12 rounds are tough though, we better be switched on from round 1.  only 2 games that we should definately win. 7 finalist plus Port, Essendon and Crows. plus WC away off a 6 day break.  I'd say we should be 7-5 at least.  

and then win 5 out of the next 6 to be 12-6 with 4 massive games to decide our position

how long til the season starts!!?  im pumped!

59 minutes ago, Rod Grinter Riot Squad said:

A great alliance for both the club and the NT, long may it continue.

 

Love the way you talk about the “climate” in the NT, because Alice and Darwi; have very similar climates?

Not so Rod; Darwin is humid whilst Alice is dry. Ball handling is easier in the Centre.

The weather shouldn't be an issue in Alice Springs in mid July, which is when we play WCE.

The game starts at 2:50 so the second half will be played in the shade and the average maximum is only 20 in July.

Tough draw knowing it doesn’t matter because we’re in a premiership window is a damn site better than an easy draw when we sucked.

I have blockbuster fatigue already.  Go the fkin Dees!

Think everyone agrees it is a tough draw but good for commercial arrangements.

In the age of free agencies and players dictating where they want to play the better commercial arrangements lend themselves to attracting better players.

One of the reasons May said he came to Melbourne was to play for one of the big clubs.

We have a tough draw but we are in for a period of sustained success.

30 minutes ago, Wrecker45 said:

Tough draw knowing it doesn’t matter because we’re in a premiership window is a damn site better than an easy draw when we sucked.

If we are the best team we will beat all others ... simple.  And we want to be the best, so enjoy it.

9 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

why not..we drew 90+k last time we played them [Geelong] and we are being asked to go to a ground where there is a virtual lock out.

If it's good enough for Essendon etc why are we the perpetual bunny

I am sure Gillon will have some bulltish 'explanation' if asked.

It will be interesting to see whether the MFC opts to forego the 2020 QB home fixture, thus locking in the 1 public holiday home game per-season that year and thereafter.

It makes sense to do it now (then), while all 3 clubs are up and about and we're likely to play well-attended return games against both teams during the transition period anyway. 

2019: No public holiday home game

2020: ANZAC Eve

2021: QB

etc 

 

Source:  Champion Data Fixture Summary

The Bulldogs have gone 'under the radar' in terms of media review of the fixture.   They have an absolutely dream run re who they play twice, 5/6 day breaks, i/state trips etc.  If someone ran an analysis of all the variables I reckon they could come out with the 'easiest' draw of the lot!

The AFL is giving the Bulldogs every chance of be relevant again.  Ditto Adelaide, they have a dream draw but travelling i/state makes it a bit harder.  Both clubs have fared well given there recent successes in finals.

Coll doesn't travel so much but lucks out with 8 six day breaks.  Essendon is also up there with 7 six day breaks.

Who is played twice is not a measure of how difficult 2019 becomes; some top teams slide, others come up.  I expect Cats, Swans, Hawks to slide a bit.  Question is who rises to take their spots - Crows? Bombers? Power? 

Our draw is very reasonable.  I like that we play Sydney and Ess early in the season and if we win those we are off to a good start re potentially difficult teams.

One thing is certain, it will be a very open season again. 

Edited November 1, 20186 yr by Lucifer's Hero

In the last two years the team who was 13th has gone on to win or challenge for the flag,

Guess who was 13 this year.... yep the Bulldogs

1 hour ago, skills32 said:

Not so Rod; Darwin is humid whilst Alice is dry. Ball handling is easier in the Centre.

Really?

 

Living here, I had never noticed.

(Get the sarcasm this time?)

2 hours ago, binman said:

What the? 

You maintained Channel 7 controls the scheduling and used that power to ensure the blues got multiple Friday night games, because of the old boys club , them being power club, the 70s and 80s yada yada.

I said that was ridiculous as they are a commercial operation, answerable to their shareholders, interested in ratings and profits and if they had the power you have maintained they do they certainly wouldn't use it to have Friday night games that no one watches.  

Passing on memos?. What memos? memos from Channel 7 to the AFL telling them to schedule the blues on Friday nights? Please refresh my memory. 

Memos get past around TV Stations from time to time. People know each other. 

Some of them got passed on to me. 

And yes, Channel 7 has a big say in what is shown where. They overpaid to get the rights. Not a 100% say, but a big say. 

In 2018 they got it wrong in many ways and it cost them a lot of money ? 

but like Essendrug, when Carlscum get their act together, they will be given an armchair ride. 

We, the MFC will have to work very hard to get a strong footing. We haven’t been successful in the TV ? era

Carlton have been....

 

30 minutes ago, monoccular said:

I am sure Gillon will have some bulltish 'explanation' if asked.

"Enjoy having AFL accreditation do you? No ... no ... of course I'm not threatening anything. We're all pals here, you know. I'm just asking a simple question. I mean, you wouldn't want to do anything to make me take it away. No one would want that, would we? Now, there's plenty of good news about all Collingwood's night games and all the blockbusters. Why don't you run along and write something about that, hmm? Hmm? Good lad."

7 hours ago, Collar-Jazz-Knee said:

Play Pies, Tigers and Eagles twice. Pretty tough in my view.

Good fixturing and money generation though with home games v Bombers, Tigers & Pies.

 

7 hours ago, The Chazz said:

The consequence of finishing higher on the ladder.

I know it will take some getting used to that sort of thing.

Chazz is right. In the 6-6-6 fixturing world, if you finish top 6 you should get 3 games against other top 6 sides and 1 against a mid 6 side and 1 against a bottom 6 side. Doesn't always work that way due rivalry rounds and blockbuster games, but that's the idea.

I think everyone would rather finish top and get a tough draw than bottom and get an easier one.

And good to see that most people are accepting that it is only right that the QB clash is alternated. I hate all things Eddiewood, but this is actually a correct decision.