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?

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield will be among the gun midfielders battling it out in the Cats’ Round 1 clash with Collingwood. Picture: Alex Coppel

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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Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield will be among the gun midfielders battling it out in the Cats’ Round 1 clash with Collingwood. Picture: Alex Coppel

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.

The AFL fixture announcement has been delayed. Was set for Wednesday but will now happen Thursday. Clubs given the "bones" of draw, but some unhappy and have sought changes, creating a ripple effect. More coming on @superfooty

— Sam Edmund (@SammyHeraldSun) October 30, 2018

The AFL wishes to advise the fixture for the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be released at midday on Thursday November 1, 2018.

— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 30, 2018

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.