Collingwood, Western Bulldogs set for Round 1 blockbuster as Essendon host Hawthorn
NEW Bulldog Travis Cloke won’t have to wait long to face Collingwood while Essendon will host Hawthorn in prime-time in Round 1 next year. SEE THE LIKELY ROUND 1 DRAW
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TRAVIS Cloke’s quest to salvage his AFL career as a Western Bulldog is likely to kick off in opening-round, prime-time clash against Collingwood.
It is understood the Magpies have been drawn to play the reigning premiers in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG on March 24.
Cloke’s likely inclusion as a Bulldog forward against his former side gives the game added spice.
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He will have plenty of ammunition to prove the doubters wrong as he was starved of opportunities under Nathan Buckley in his last year at Collingwood.
The Sunday Herald Sun also understands that Essendon has been guaranteed a Round 1, Saturday night clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
The Bombers had requested a key slot to welcome back their banned stars, a move that will generate huge interest and a guaranteed big crowd.
Carlton and Richmond will start the season with their now traditional Thursday night opener.
Cloke, who turns 31 next March, joined the Bulldogs — for pick 76 — during the trade period after the most frustrating of his 12 seasons in black and white.
A one-time Collingwood favourite and 2010 premiership player, he could manage only 13 AFL games in 2016, and was dropped back to the VFL on a number of occasions, as the club looked to explore other forward options.
That led the power forward, who has kicked 441 goals from his 246 games, to seek other options, and he and the Magpies believed he would be better suited elsewhere, despite being contracted for 2017.
Bulldogs fans will have to wait at least an extra week to see the club’s long-awaited premiership unfurled, as Collingwood will host them in the Round 1 fixture, to be played at the MCG on Friday, March 24.
Cloke told the club’s website this week he was looking forward to the challenge, saying: “I’ve come here to learn a few things and also to develop under the boys at the Western Bulldogs.”
“Hopefully (I will) just bring that extra one or two per cent to the side and maintain the success that this club’s got.”
The Bombers put in a request to the AFL to give the club a big stage in which to welcome stars such as Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker back from their year-long bans.
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The match will come against a new-look Hawthorn, who have lost Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis, but who could unveil new recruits Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Ty Vickery.
This year’s runner-up Sydney will take on Port Adelaide at the SCG in the opening round; Sam Mitchell could play his first game in an Eagles’ jumper in Melbourne with West Coast to play North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium; while Chris Fagan will start his AFL coaching career with Brisbane with a clash against state rivals Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Geelong and Fremantle, two of the biggest players during the trading period, will meet at Subiaco in the final game of Round 1 next year; premiership favourites Greater Western Sydney start their campaign on the road against Adelaide; while two of the likely big improvers for next year, St Kilda and Melbourne, will play at Etihad Stadium.
THINGS TO WATCH IN ROUND 1, 2017
Thursday March 23
Carlton v Richmond, MCG, 7.20pm
The now traditional season kick-off. The Blues have even more GWS faces to add as well as Bryce Gibbs still in navy blue, while the Tigers may unveil Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy. What chances Chris Yarran?
Friday, March 24
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.50pm
No unveiling of the premiership flag for the Bulldogs in Round 1, but they’re tipped to give Travis Cloke the chance to take on his former side first-up.
Saturday, March 25
Sydney v Port Adelaide, SCG, approx. 2pm
Tick, tick, tick. This clash with the Power can’t come quick enough for the Swans, eager to put aside the ghosts of October 1.
North Melbourne v West Coast, Etihad Stadium, approx. 4.30pm
Hard to believe Sam Mitchell will be running around in a West Coast jumper for this game, and just as difficult to imagine life after Brent Harvey for the new-look North Melbourne.
Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions, Metricon Stadium, 7.25pm
Pearce Hanley doesn’t have to wait long to come up against his old side and his close mate Tom Rockliff. Brisbane’s new era under Chris Fagan begins.
Essendon v Hawthorn, MCG, 7.25pm
The Bombers’ welcome home party for its suspended stars, including likely new captain Dyson Heppell, will have a prime-time audience. Just as interesting will be Hawthorn - minus Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis - with Jaeger O’Meara, Tom Mitchell and Ty Vickery in the frame.
Sunday, March 26
Adelaide v GWS, Adelaide Oval, approx. 1pm
Brett Deledio starts afresh with premiership favourites GWS on the road against Adelaide.
St Kilda v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium, 3.20pm
Highly anticipated match between two likely big improvers. The Saints traded exceptionally well, while the Demons can look forward to having one of the game’s better on-field leaders Jordan Lewis join their ranks.
Fremantle v Geelong, Subiaco, 7.40pm
Two busy clubs in the trade period. Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling might play against their old side, with other new faces at the Dockers including Brad Hill and Cam McCarthy. The Cats lost a few players but brought in Zach Tuohy and Aaron Black.
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