Round 1, 2013 @ Etihad?

[DrMike]

Seriously, what?

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/138112/default.aspx

THE MCG says it will respect a decision should the AFL decide to move the 2013 season opener to Etihad Stadium.​

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou announced early on Friday the League may move the usual Carlton-Richmond Thursday night round one game because players are demanding two mid-season breaks.​

The only way to accommodate that would be to bring the start of the season forward. ​

With the MCG unavailable any earlier, the Docklands venue could be the only option if the AFL still wants the Blues and Tigers to face-off in opening round​

 

[Groupie_]

lol yeah 35k miss out because of this.

 

[Richo is God]

No, just no.

 

[DrMike]

lol yeah 35k miss out because of this.

Well that should cover all the Carlton supporters...

 

[RichoLedio]

I really hope this doesn't happen

 

[Roachy8]

It will be our home game too... crap, crap, crap!

 

[Spluff]

I doubt it will happen, the AFL aren't going to throw away revenue like that. There's no point in having a big fixture season opener if you're not going to maximize crowd attendance.

 

[Groupie_]

It will be our home game too... crap, crap, crap!

Don't they share the gate anyway?

 

[Pklz]

It will be our home game too... crap, crap, crap!

At least your members would get in, to many would miss out.

Would rather they open the season with someone else if it means playing at Etihad. Hope we can just keep it at the MCG however :S

 

[DrMike]

At least your members would get in, to many would miss out.

Would rather they open the season with someone else if it means playing at Etihad. Hope we can just keep it at the MCG however :S

Considering how big it is you would think they'd wait until the Saturday night for the Carlton vs Richmond blockbuster to sell it out...

 

[_RT_]

Won't happen, its just the AFL looking to get a alteration to their current deal. By making a bit of noise about changing the game, the MCC will make a change to the current deal they have which will allow the MCG to be used a week earlier should there be no cricket to be played.

 

[TOOs_Finest]

I assume the issue is that the MCG is not available in that week prior to when Rd 1 is normally scheduled for.

I can see them either just scheduling a different game as the opener for that first week and play Rich v Carl in the second week, or we'll just play a different opponent in Rd 1.

 

[Danog]

Surely we'd just play the Carlton game in round 2 on Friday then. We still get first game at the 'G, and our boys don't have the massive expectation buildup that's put us off in previous years. If we could play someone like Brisbane in round 1, I think it'd be a lot more beneficial for us.

 

[TIGER DAVE]

Won't happen, its just the AFL looking to get a alteration to their current deal. By making a bit of noise about changing the game, the MCC will make a change to the current deal they have which will allow the MCG to be used a week earlier should there be no cricket to be played.

bingo

 

[Wacky Tiger]

AFL bluffing. No way this isnt played at the G

 

[gaelictiogar]

So with attendance dipping due to TV and expansion they get the Tiger Rising up the ladder and building the buzz.......and then schedule a season opeing Richmond homer against Big 4 opposition at the Dome losing out in 30,000 admissions. I don't think so.

On average 60 to 65% of the Round 1 crowd is Richmond. With (hopefully) our form continuing good this year we could easily hope for 80,000 season opener notwithstanding the usual ordinary enough Carlton turnout which won't exceed 30,000.

 

[MOTiger]

At least your members would get in, to many would miss out.

Would rather they open the season with someone else if it means playing at Etihad. Hope we can just keep it at the MCG however :S

who would they play it against? just keep it the way it is the afl will not let it go

 

[_RT_]

It will be our home game too... crap, crap, crap!

It was out home game this year, next year would be Carltons home game, meaning we would have to book seats if they did move it.

 

[Kamikaze]

It's ridiculous for both clubs as both stand to loose significant profit. I hope Cricket Victoria and AFL can come to some sort of compromise as unlikely as it sounds.

 

[Madtiger2006]

How about we forget State of origin instead. It's a waste of time

 

[gaelictiogar]

How about we forget State of origin instead. It's a waste of time

I totally agree. I understand the NRL pushing Origin since its the only way they can get people interested in their sport before the finals but we don't need made up little meaningless games interfering with the season.

I wouldn't cross the road to watch Origin.

 

[_RT_]

How about we forget State of origin instead. It's a waste of time

Thats got nothing to do with it, its the fact the players want to have 2 byes that they are talking about this.

 

[Bojangles17]

Wont happen, afl have a firm agenda to maximise attendances, as it acts as leverage on all fronts, sponsorship, tv rights et al. With only a handful of genuine blockbusters that can attract 70k+ the league wont be about to dish one soon

 

[tigers_of_old_08]

Give the opener to the two Sydney clubs if this is the case.

Tigers will need all their games at the 'G' next season to cater for their huge membership base.

 

[Crow_Sting]

Start it 1 week earlier with GWS vs Sydney again. Then the 1st week the 'G is available, Richmond and Carlton can get the season started. Just 1 week earlier than like it was this season.