The AFL has unexpectedly launched its fixture for Round 1 of the 2023 season – and the timing of the announcement has prompted controversy.
The single-week schedule dropped on the AFL’s official web site at 6am on Sunday morning (AEDT) – coinciding with the Socceroos’ much-hyped World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina.
The league has steadily been accused of making an attempt to stymy the progress of soccer in Australia, and this newest instance shortly drew the ire of social media.
Socceroos followers have been fast to slam the AFL’s cynical transfer, with the league described as ‘the most insecure sporting body in the country’ and ’embarrassingly petty’.
Others questioned the knowledge of making an attempt to compete with the Socceroos, given Australia is within the grip of World Cup fever and all eyes have been locked on the clash with Argentina.
It’s not the primary time in 2022 the AFL has drawn the ire of footballing followers: throughout Manchester United’s tour of Australia in July, league officers have been slammed for posting a picture of Marcus Rashford holding a Sherrin, having reportedly chased him by means of a tunnel at AAMI Park after a public photoshoot.
As for the fixture itself, Carlton and Richmond will as soon as once more lock horns within the season opener on Thursday, March 16, having misplaced the honour to the grand closing rematch between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs in 2022, which was performed on Wednesday night time.
Geelong will tackle Collingwood on a blockbuster Friday night time, whereas the Dees and the Dogs will once more start their seasons in opposition to each other.
Among the opposite matches, the MCG will play host to long-time rivals Hawthorn and Essendon on Sunday afternoon, whereas new St Kilda coach Ross Lyon begins his second stint on the Saints in opposition to his different former aspect in Fremantle.
FULL AFL ROUND 1 FIXTURE (all occasions 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
