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Grand final rematch pencilled in for Round 2 as 2018 AFL fixtures released

30th October, 2017
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Dustin Martin celebrates the Tigers' premiership. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)
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30th October, 2017
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The AFL has released the entire 2018 season draw, completing the fixtures for the season after the matches for Round 1 were leaked last week.

While fans already knew the season will start once again with a clash between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG on Thursday, March 22, they can now start planning for a grand final rematch between the Tigers and Crows a week later at the Adelaide Oval.

» View the full 2018 AFL season draw here

The Tigers have a draw chock full of Thursday and Friday night fixtures with eight – a dramatic rise after playing no Friday night matches during the 2017 regular season, and will both start and end the 2018 season with a string of games at the MCG.

There will be a host of intriguing matches throughout the season featuring players going up against their former clubs. Jake Lever and the Melbourne Demons will take on the Crows in what’s sure to be a fiery affair – particularly if Lever plays on former skipper Taylor Walker – in Round 10, although the game will be played in Alice Springs rather than the MCG or Adelaide Oval.

Former Bulldog Jake Stringer will line up for the Bombers against the club he won a premiership with in 2016 in Round 3, and Hawthorn fans will get to see former skipper Luke Hodge face the Hawks for Brisbane in Round 9.

Gary Ablett Jr will make his return to the Cattery in Round 4 against the Saints before going up against the Suns for the first time in Round 11, and former Blue Bryce Gibbs will line up for the Crows against his old side in Round 7.

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