Michael Voss the latest AFL name to criticise Opening Round concept
The Opening Round concept remains under fire, with Carlton coach Michael Voss the latest to hit out at the idea, as the Blues continue to prepare for their season opener against Richmond.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Carlton coach Michael Voss says he is not a fan of the AFL’s opening round as the Blues prepare to welcome back at least one of their biggest stars from injury.
The AFL introduced the opening round concept last year, looking to get the jump on the NRL in New South Wales and Queensland.
However, Voss said on Thursday that he would love to see other football states be involved to start the season with a bang nationwide.
“I haven’t been a great fan of it,” the three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player said of the current opening round set-up.
“What makes us a little bit different is that we’ve got a national game and I don’t see why we don’t advertise it … launch it in every single state.
“WA, there’s two games we can play there, two games we can play in South Australia, two games we get to play in Queensland and New South Wales, (while) also launching it in Victoria.
“We’ve got 10 Victorian teams. Eight could go travel to every single state and we could have two games in every state. I think it’s very unique for us in the national game, that we can launch it Australia-wide.”
The Blues were not scheduled to be part of opening round this year and will instead face off with Richmond next Thursday in the first game of the season in Victoria.
Voss confirmed that star midfielder Sam Walsh – who suffered a hamstring strain in January – would be “well and truly ready to go” for that match, while key forward Charlie Curnow (knee) has not yet been ruled out.
“He (Curnow) has a couple of pretty important sessions to get through before we decide what we do there,” Voss said on Nova 100.
“We’ll wait and give him every single chance.
“I’d still say that he’s more unlikely than likely and more ready to go for round two. But we haven’t made that call yet.”
Originally published as Michael Voss the latest AFL name to criticise Opening Round concept
Swans to unveil Papley clone
Sydney will blood two debutants in the blockbuster against Hawthorn – an ex-Saint and a small forward who has drawn comparisons to Tom Papley.
Team of the century: Roos that kept flame flickering at Arden St
This century has been littered with attempts to relocate the Kangaroos — but these players have all contributed to keeping the club at its true home. See North’s best side since 2000 here.