Western Bulldogs, Carlton land dream run in latest fixture release
Carlton and Western Bulldogs are the biggest beneficiaries of the AFL's fixture release, winning the race for the most prime-time slots.
The Blues will play four Thursday nights and one Friday between rounds 16 and 23, while the Bulldogs play two Thursday and three Friday night matches.
It's a great reward for Luke Beveridge's side that overcame a slate of injuries earlier in the season.
Included in the Doggies' five prime-time clashes is North Melbourne's centenary match in round 17.
Gold Coast will host its first Friday night fixture when it welcomes Collingwood in round 18.
There will be Friday-night double headers in rounds 17, 20 and 23 as the AFL manages viewership and the mandatory shortened breaks.
Round 20 will be a highlight of the season, as the Bulldogs kick off the round with Essendon ahead of the Battle of the Bridge on Friday night at Engie Stadium.
Western Bulldogs are the biggest winner of the AFL's fixture release. Picture: Michael Klein
The following day will revisit the competition's old Rivalry Round with the Q-Clash, Western Derby and Showdown all succeeding each other on the Saturday.
Port Adelaide and Adelaide lobbied for a stand-alone Showdown but will parallel with North Melbourne and Geelong at Marvel Stadium.
The rescheduled match between the Suns and Bombers in round 24 will be included in the final round's release later this year.
AFL head of strategy and scheduling Josh Bowler said the finalised fixture 'is aimed at maximising momentum into finals'.
'The first nine rounds of the Toyota AFL Premiership season have delivered some of the most exciting football we have seen with close margins, high scoring, record attendances and strong ratings across the board., Bowler said.
'This season has delivered more Thursday nights than ever before with this key timeslot featuring in all AFL rounds except round 23 when we will see the exciting inaugural AFLW rematch between Carlton and Collingwood kick off the 10th NAB AFLW season.
'This back end of the season fixture is aimed at maximising momentum into the finals which is shaping up to be one of the tightest races in recent history.
'We are excited to schedule a number of Friday night double-headers aimed at maximising prime-time audience whilst also managing team travel and breaks between games.'
Dogs on the move
The Western Bulldogs are adamant they remain committed to Ballarat despite moving a round 18 fixture to Marvel Stadium in the wake of criticism about playing at a 'construction site' that earnt a sledge form former player Bailey Smith.
Less than 5000 people were able to attend the round 8 thrashing of Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium, which is being redeveloped and didn't go unnoticed by Smith.
After playing a leading role in Geelong's thrilling MCG win over Collingwood, in front of more than 80,000, Smith told Fox Footy that 'you don't get that at Ballarat', a comment that earnt a day-after retort from his former Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli.
But with the round 18 clash against fellow finals aspirants Adelaide set to draw a bumper crowd, the Bulldogs asked for the game to the moved to Marvel Stadium
'While it has been a difficult decision to shift venues for our round 18 clash against the Adelaide Crows in Ballarat, all parties including the AFL, state government and club partners (Visit Victoria, City of Ballarat, Mars Wrigley and Marvel Stadium) have worked collaboratively to arrive at this outcome,' Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said.
'Importantly, the club remains extremely excited and committed to the current redevelopment of Mars Stadium, with AFL and AFLW games at Mars Stadium remaining a crucial part of the club's all-year round presence and involvement in the Ballarat region.
'The club's regular day-to-day support of the Ballarat region has become a vital cornerstone in all we do, and we look forward to our AFLW home game later this year and future AFL games at Mars Stadium for years to come.
James O'Donnell fetches the ball from over the fence at Mars Stadium, where half the ground is being redeveloped. Picture: Michael Klein
'The club is incredibly appreciative of the understanding from all members and fans and looks forward to welcoming the red, white and blue army to another game at Marvel Stadium later this year.'
The Adelaide match will take place on Saturday, July 12, with the first bounce at 1.20pm, with Marvel Stadium to host three games across the round.
The full fixture for rounds 16-24 is set to be announced on Thursday.
Originally published as Western Bulldogs, Carlton land dream run in latest fixture release
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