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The AFL has unexpectedly released its fixture for Round 1 of the 2023 season – and the timing of the announcement has caused controversy.
The single-week schedule dropped on the AFL’s official website at 6am on Sunday morning (AEDT) – coinciding with the Socceroos’ much-hyped World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina.
The league has frequently been accused of attempting to stymy the progress of football in Australia, and this latest example quickly drew the ire of social media.
Socceroos fans were quick to slam the AFL’s cynical move, with the league described as ‘the most insecure sporting body in the country’ and ’embarrassingly petty’.
Others questioned the wisdom of trying to compete with the Socceroos, given Australia is in the grip of World Cup fever and all eyes were locked on the clash with Argentina.
It’s not the first time in 2022 the AFL has drawn the ire of footballing fans: during Manchester United’s tour of Australia in July, league officials were slammed for posting an image of Marcus Rashford holding a Sherrin, having reportedly chased him through a tunnel at AAMI Park after a public photoshoot.
As for the fixture itself, Carlton and Richmond will once again lock horns in the season opener on Thursday, March 16, having lost the honour to the grand final rematch between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in 2022, which was played on Wednesday night.
Geelong will take on Collingwood on a blockbuster Friday night, while the Dees and the Dogs will again begin their seasons against one another.
Among the other matches, the MCG will play host to long-time rivals Hawthorn and Essendon on Sunday afternoon, while new St Kilda coach Ross Lyon begins his second stint at the Saints against his other former side in Fremantle.
FULL AFL ROUND 1 FIXTURE (all times AEDT)
Thursday, March 16
Richmond vs Carlton, MCG, 7:20pm
Friday, March 17
Geelong Cats vs Collingwood, MCG, 7:40pm
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium, 1:45pm
Port Adelaide vs Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Oval, 4:05pm
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7:25pm
Gold Coast Suns vs Sydney Swans, Metricon Stadium, 8pm
Sunday, March 19
GWS Giants vs Adelaide Crows, Giants Stadium, 1:10pm
Hawthorn vs Essendon, MCG, 3:20pm
St Kilda vs Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4:40pm
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