Are we seeing a change in attitude from the Vic-centric big wigs from the AFL? Sadly, no | Michael Mkoka-Nicholson

There are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Collingwood getting marquee timeslots over the Crows and Port, writes Michael Mkoka-Nicholson

With the official announcement of the final rounds to the 2023 AFL fixture released it seems that on one account, the people at AFL House have listened to the fans with more Thursday night matches on the cards.

“The extraordinary popularity of Thursday night has seen the AFL schedule an extra contest this year, committing to 12 games across the home-and-away season and finals,” reported the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

Wow. A fan service? Incredible. Stunning. Brave. The fans have embraced Thursday nights and finally the AFL appears to be listening.

TELL US WHY IN THE COMMENTS

Could it be? Are we seeing a change in attitude from the Vic-centric big wigs from the AFL?

Sadly, it would appear otherwise.

Ahead of the official announcement, Ralph also reported, “the Showdown in round 20 will be a Saturday night clash with the league declining to hand Adelaide a Friday night stand-alone clash against Port Adelaide despite what might be one of the games of the season.”

Quelle surprise, it is officially as it has been written.

I mean, who even can remember what happened last time these two teams met on a Friday night (not as a stand-alone fixture, mind you)?

For those from the VFL playing at home who can’t extend their minds anywhere further west than Geelong, an incredibly tight and exciting contest took place at the home of AFL in Australia (the Adelaide Oval) where the Crows inflicted heartbreak on the more fancied Port with a goal after the siren.

Jordan Dawson celebrates after winning the game with a goal after the siren during the 2022 AFL Round 03 Showdown. Picture: Sarah Reed

The hero? Adelaide’s recent star recruit Jordan Dawson who nailed the now iconic moment with a miracle kick.

New Showdown lore was written.

Ecstasy for me, agony for the Alberton set but a spectacular showcase of Aussie rules.

Now you might be wondering why there is even a debate over finally giving the best rivalry in the AFL a Friday night showing when I’ve just explained the two teams have in fact met on a Friday.

The main sticking point here, our incredible game of football went head-to-head with another game … you guessed it, between two Victorian sides – Melbourne Vs Essendon where the Demons stormed home by 29 points. Yawn.

The frustration the AFL fails to understand is that when it gatekeeps marquee timeslots like a stand-alone Friday night blockbuster from non-Victorian teams, it further adds to the narrative of why Victorian tradition is so important and cannot be touched.

See the pics: Huge Showdown social photo gallery

VIEW GALLERY

If the Crows and Power’s blockbuster clashes aren’t elevated to the national stage and given the respect they so deeply deserve, what chance do we have of ever seeing an even playing field in a competition that doesn’t even reward the team that finishes the season highest with the honour of playing the biggest game of the year at home?

I guess I’ll just have to continue hanging my hopes on the Crows continuing to play an exciting style of footy no matter what timeslot they’re bestowed and live in hope of a time where South Aussies get their fair share of the limelight.

Until that day we all just have to agree that there are three certainties in life: death, taxes and Collingwood getting marquee timeslots over the Crows and Port.

Michael Mkoka-Nicholson is The Advertiser’s Audience Development Editor and a long suffering Crows supporter. Do you agree with him? Leave a comment below.