AFL's 2018 Round 1 fixture leaked

Buckley's reappointment is staggering for mine. He took over the youngest premiership side (2010) since 1978. And has overseen a steady decline - from 4th in 2012, 6th, 9th, 12th, 12th and 13th this season. President McGuire stated during the press conference - '....the easiest thing for us to do would be to sack the coach'. Well many fans, members and sponsors might well argue - the 'right' thing to do would be to sack the coach. Collingwood is arguably the largest sporting club in Australia, with a high-profile and demanding president. Additionally, the players then must cope with an intense, smug, perfectionist for their coach. A very challenging environment for all Collingwood players, where perhaps only the most relaxed personalities will thrive.

The West Coast Eagles demanded the first game at Perth Stadium (after receiving the final game at Subiaco Oval), and you're still not happy. The stadium will be there for 50 years. No-one cares about the first game. They'll see it eventually. There's going to be several events at the new stadium before round 1 rolls around any way.

They should rename the Collingwood v Hawks opening to the who cares cup as both teams will be bottom four in 2018, the only interest for watching both their seasons will be Buckley and Mcguire's faces going redder and redder as it becomes clear they wont play finals and Clarkson finally admitting he ripped the soul out of Hawthorn with the Mitchell/ Lewis/Vickery worst trade in AFL history. What a shocking way to treat former champions just like Geelong and Scott dod with Steve Johnson, Bartel, Chapman and co..

Yes true tiger, the mighty Bombers are the 2018 flag favourites and most pundits expect the one flag Tigers to plummet like the Dogs did.

Minor gripe, but this QLD draw is really stupid. Why would you start with a round 1 game in Cairns at 6:25PM in March – every chance it’s still 30+ degrees at that time of day and that time of year. Additionally it has to start an hour earlier because QLD will still have its fingers in its ears going LAH LAH LAH while Daylight Savings still has a week or so to run. No game in Brisbane at all. Yet there’s 5 games down in Melbourne. Clearly the Saints and Lions have drawn the 3:35pm Saturday arvo who’s left, who’s two teams no-one gives a stuff about spot – but why this game has to be shoved into a crowded Melbourne schedule is beyond me. There’s still plenty of people following Aussie Rules in Queensland – it’s just the number following AFL that is declining. Fixturing like this doesn’t help matters either. Start as you mean to go on. Oh wait, they have.

PtS, you do know your mob are playing the Hawks in the first game, not the Suns?

As a Carlton fan I say enough is enough with this season opener. We are a rebuilding club who should open the season on a Sunday afternoon against another lowly ranked club. Embarrassing ourselves on the big stage against the 2017 premiers could set out season back.

Typical born to rule mentality emanating from Collingwood. 2010 is a distant mememory. Eat 'em alive Tigers.

I am a crows supporter not an essendon one. How many teams will fancy themselves to beat essendon at etihad..they will be tough to beat full stop

Based on the 2017 ladder, seven teams are tougher.

'It could not be a much tougher opening game for the Crows' . . . I can think of at least 10 that would be tougher! You Essendon supporters really are dreamin'.

Definitely!

Essendon v crows will be a cracker. The dons with their new recruits and attacking style of footy will really test the crows who got them twice in 2017 quite comfortably with their slick ball movement and forward half firepower. It could not be a much tougher opening game for the crows and that will show if they are up for redemption next season for the poor gf showing

At the MCG people disperse in multiple directions. Some people have parked in the CBD, at the ground, some people walk to Richmond station, Jolimont station, get on a tram, some people go to a nearby pub or get something to eat. At Perth Stadium people will be dispersed primarily to one exit point (the stadium station). Perth Stadium will have the same problem that ANZ Stadium does when it gets big crowds.

Your Dreaming!

Your Dreaming!

Grandma?

Reminds me of the coodabeens song to the tune of buttercup... Build us up, Collingwood, then break our hearts!

A Freo supporter here. As I said on another post....AFL got this right. WCE first home game as it is their turn...no entitlement, it is the Eagles turn & you can showcase the new stadium. And to keep Freo happy you get the first night game & you can showcase the lighting which is suppose to be pretty awesome. A win - win. Not often I say it....but well done AFL.

So kind of like the 80,000 leaving the MCG who struggle to get through a dozen validators at Richmond station after the game.