Carlton to feature in two Thursday night games in first three rounds in blockbuster start to 2020

Carlton will face two massive Thursday night assignments at the MCG early next season in a huge start to the season for new coach David Teague. Plus more Collingwood and Essendon fixture news.

Carlton is set for a blockbuster start to the 2020 season. Picture: Michael Klein

Carlton will be handed a blockbuster start to next year’s fixture with two prime time Thursday night games in the first three rounds.

The Blues are slated to take on arch rival Essendon on a Thursday night in Round 3 at the MCG only a fortnight after David Teague’s men open the season against Richmond in front of a full house.

It means Carlton will be on the Thursday night main stage twice within the opening three rounds.

SEE THE FULL 2020 AFL FIXTURE HERE

The Blues are hopeful of unveiling returning club favourite Eddie Betts as well as incoming Gold Coast playmaker Jack Martin against the reigning premier in the first game of the season.

The focus on Carlton will be immense early as the revamped Blues – led by powerhouse co-captain Patrick Cripps – look to finally climb up the ladder.

Carlton’s pair of Thursday night MCG blockbusters are expected to draw big crowds and bumper television ratings to help kickstart the new season.

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Carlton is set for a blockbuster start to the 2020 season. Picture: Michael Klein

The high-scoring Western Bulldogs will also feature more prominently in the prime time slots next year after it emerged the Dogs have replaced Essendon in the Good Friday clash.

The Dogs will take on the Kangaroos on Good Friday at Marvel Stadium, three years after Luke Beveridge’s men were dumped from the same marquee match.

The Dogs were given only one Friday night game this year but that number is on the rise – including a Round 1 Friday night game against Collingwood – after sizzling through the second half of last season.

The Dogs showcased their attacking flair late in the campaign, averaging 20 more points than any other side from Round 18.

They were ranked second for scoring (behind Brisbane Lions) from Round 13.

Carlton struggled to score under Brendon Bolton in the first half of last season but a change in coach helped the club flick the goal kicking switch from Round 12.

Collingwood is again expected to host Richmond in their regular Thursday night battle in Round 2 in a match which could attract in excess of 90,000.

Collingwood will play Western Bulldogs in Round 1. Picture: Michael Klein

It will be the fifth time since 2013 the two sides have faced-off in Round 2.

Collingwood will also travel to Brisbane to take on the Lions on the Thursday night before Good Friday.

There is expected to be nine Thursday night games in total in 2020, one up on last season.

Hawthorn wants more action under lights next season after president Jeff Kennett accused the league of disrespecting the club in the 2019 fixture.

The Hawks were given only one Friday night home game last season and eight Sunday games, and have asked for a more appealing timeslots in 2020.

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“We feel the 2019 fixture does not entirely respect our great club, what it has done for the AFL and our success over the last 11 years,” Kennett said.

The AFL will schedule a triple-header on ANZAC Day, which falls on a Saturday next year, including a 4.20pm twilight start for the traditional Collingwood Essendon blockbuster.

Hawthorn will also host West Coast in Launceston earlier that day, followed by another night game interstate.

Geelong is set to take on premiership contenders West Coast and Greater Western Sydney among their matches against interstate clubs at GMHBA Stadium next year.

Originally published as Carlton to feature in two Thursday night games in first three rounds in blockbuster start to 2020