The AFL draw is out, and we’ve heard all about the blockbuster games. But what about the ‘battler’ fixtures?
When can we schedule in a weekend away with the family or lock in a wedding date?
The AFL talks up its rivalries including Sydney versus GWS and Port Adelaide versus Adelaide. To be fair, it’s worth talking these up – you don’t want to miss these games, for the inevitable on-field dust-ups alone.
On the flipside, we didn’t hear anything about the Rubbish Round. In 2017 it comes in Round 7 and out of all the rounds it’s the one that you can confidently miss.
It starts with a rather tame opening Friday night clash (by atmosphere standards) between St Kilda and GWS. Look, it could be a good game but it’s not exactly going to draw a huge crowd and even the Melbourne media will struggle to talk it up.
Saturday we have North Melbourne hosting Adelaide at their home away from home in Hobart.
Collingwood take on Carlton at the MCG – a fixture that’s failed to live up to the hype more often than not. Port Adelaide take on West Coast with more people from China likely to be interested in the result and the Gold Coast Suns play Geelong at the graveyard of Metricon Stadium.
Pretty sure Port Adelaide are playing everywhere except Tajikistan. #AFLFixture
— Tim Rosen (@timrosen35) October 26, 2016
Western Bulldogs and Richmond wrap up the night at Etihad Stadium.
On Sunday, Sydney are at home to the Brisbane Lions, Melbourne take on Hawthorn and Essendon travel to the west to battle with Fremantle.
It’s easily looks to be the weakest round of the season and if you must miss an entire round, seven is the one.
Unless you’re a diehard fan of any of the teams, here are some other fixtures to avoid:
Sunday, April 9
St Kilda vs Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium
Sunday, April 16
Brisbane Lions vs Richmond at the Gabba
Sunday, May 14
Gold Coast Suns vs Port Adelaide at Jiangwan Sports Centre (If you can get past the China novelty factor)
Sunday, July 23
Brisbane Lions vs Carlton at the Gabba
AFL asked about why the Lions fixture is better early on. McLachlan: "It couldn't have got any worse." Fair call
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) October 26, 2016
Round Seven
Friday, May 5
St Kilda vs. GWS Etihad Stadium
Saturday, May 6
North Melbourne vs. Adelaide Crows Blundstone Arena
Collingwood vs. Carlton MCG
Port Adelaide vs. West Coast Eagles Adelaide Oval
Gold Coast SUNS vs. Geelong Cats Metricon Stadium
Western Bulldogs vs. Richmond Etihad Stadium
Sunday, May 7
Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions SCG
Melbourne vs. Hawthorn MCG
Fremantle vs. Essendon Domain Stadium