AFL forced to delay 2019 fixture release after clubs expressed concern
THE 2019 AFL fixture was to be revealed tomorrow morning. But what concerns have forced the AFL to delay the release of the highly anticipated draw?
THE AFL has been forced to delay the release of next year’s fixture after clubs raised concerns over scheduling.
The highly-anticipated draw was due to be revealed tomorrow morning, but has now been pushed back to midday Thursday.
The clubs were yesterday sent a summary of their 2019 fixture, briefing them on the positives and negatives of their schedule.
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It’s understood the number of interstate trips, short breaks, who they play twice and how many Thursday and Friday night games they get are highlighted in the document.
But the Herald Sun has been told some clubs were unhappy their requests were not met, prompting them to seek late adjustments to the 23-round season.
The AFL tonight said it was locking in some of the finer details before releasing the full fixture on Thursday.
While there is always some last-minute haggling between clubs and the league over specifics of the fixture, the league has this year been forced to ask for more time.
The compiling of next year’s draw has been complicated by the introduction of at least one five-day break for all teams and a spree of Thursday night games.
The five-day breaks allow the league to schedule teams to play on a Friday night who have played the previous Sunday.
The Herald Sun on Sunday revealed the Round 1 fixture, which is highlighted by Essendon recruit Dylan Shiel’s first game against old club, Greater Western Sydney, and a Friday night midfield battle spectacular between Collingwood and Geelong.
Originally published as AFL forced to delay 2019 fixture release after clubs expressed concern