AFL fixture: The round to miss in 2017

Hal, you could make an argument why it's bad for us to play anyone twice. I still think it's better we're playing those 3 twice than Sydney, GWS and Adelaide. Anyways. I actually don't mind the Richmond games, I know we haven't beaten them in yonks but most of my AFL mates up here are Tigers fans, so from a purely personal point of view they're always good days. The other two we have a decent record against.

I would not be glad about playing Richmond twice, as Richmond well and truly have the Lions' measure. It has been a long time since Brisbane has beaten Richmond. Playing the premiers twice isn't great for Brisbane either. Essendon were a faux wooden spoon side so coming up twice against a side that is likely to skyrocket from bottom to eighth is not that great either.

I'm the same for the most part, Paul D. Though I do struggle to watch any game where there isn't a side I feel like I can root for. Like if Hawthorn v. Freo was on I'd probably start watching something else first, then flick over, look at the score and flick away again if it isn't close.

For some reason, I don't turn it off. I tend to have it on but don't pay much attention to it, tend to flick channels a bit but generally watch to the end, I like the wrap up and coach media conferences.

^ Basically this. I'll watch anyone if it's close, but would turn off Hawks v Cats if it's a blowout.

Fair Call. I like to watch a game that is close, regardless of who is playing. Blow out games don't interest me when you have a 99% chance of losing by 8 goals +.

every game is one to watch for fans of the two teams involved. you and other blues and magpies fans will enjoy it. the rest of us will likely pass the chance to watch two lower-mid rung teams battle it out.

Round 7 has the Blues and Pies, traditional rivals for over a century. Good, bad or otherwise, this is a game to watch for fans of both teams. I think Brisbane will be a lot more competitive in 2017 and will be one to watch out for. They are where the Blues were at 12 months ago and there is now light at the end of the tunnel for them. As for the Bye rounds, have one around mid July. The clubs can rest players and staff through the season much like rotating RDO's. It kills my tips and I am bad enough as it is, I cal them the kiss of death rather than a tip.

I'm glad we don't have any late Sunday arvo games. The games where we pulled those god-awful barely 10,000 crowd numbers this year were Sunday arvo games - the main beef with those is the Gabba is hard enough to get to at the best of times, usually involving multiple public transport options and waiting for a bus then train then bus home for people living in the outer suburbs for a game finishing at 8pm on a sunday night kids in tow - well, you can see why it's put people off. There is going to be a massive revolution in potential crowd numbers in 5 years time when Crossrail is finished. A train station under the Gabba will do wonders for attracting bums to seats. Now for the Lions to get their act together before that eventuates.

It's not just players though - it's the off-field staff, medical staff, football department, coaches, security guards at the grounds, cleaners, food service people, ticketmaster staff etc etc etc. More than just the 22 blokes on the field, much more. That's why I like the idea of a week off at the same time, preferably during school holidays in June. Everyone needs a break.

It's only four short years ago many were questioning the relevance of the dogs in the comp.

Sorry, it looks like it's even worse; it's now over 4 rounds! I'm with Cat; they have enough players on their lists to just give everyone a compulsory week off. Done, problem solved. If they want to rest them twice, do it. Send them home on a weekend of their choice, whatever, just don't drag the whole competition down.

An attempt at humour which comes off a bit nastier than was probably intended. But as others have said, if you're going to take aim at teams for laughs, try and go after teams up the ladder. Brisbane are easy targets.

"7. 2 trips to NSW (Sydney again not coming to WA to play Freo)" They did come to Perth last year, where they defeated us in Pav's 350th. But yeah, I'm more than happy with our fixture. Especially happy with the two Adelaide games, for obvious reasons. And thank god we've got no dreaded Tassie trip!

Agree wholeheartedly. AFL lists bat 45 players deep. If you can't organize a way to get your best players a rest before the finals you are a poor coach.

10000000000000000000000000% this. Those bye rounds kill all footy momentum mid season for me. Next tv deal, the AFL need to tell Foxtel and/or Seven to suck it up and go a weekend in July without a game.

The reward for finishing 3rd last?

From a Dockers persecptive 1. No Friday night games 2. No trips to Tassie or NT 3. 3 double ups against top 8 sides (eagles, Cats, Roos) 4. 2 double ups against bottom 6 teams - Tigers and Bombers 5. 2 games at the G 6. 1 trip to Qld 7. 2 trips to NSW (Sydney again not coming to WA to play Freo) 8. 2 trips to SA 9. Only 1 non-Vic visitor to Subi Oval, Gold Coast in round 20 10. Final month of Suns, Swans, Tigers and Bombers is looking kind Overall can't complain given where Freo finished up Happy with the draw, nothing in it that says Freo will not be able to challenge for a top 8 place

A non-vic Friday night game set for rd 22. Behold the miracle.

I'd prefer no bye and clubs being required to give players a week off as needed during the season, but if there must be a bye it should all be at the same time.