The AFL is looking at locking in changes to round one, Kings birthday eve and Good Friday schedules in 2024

The AFL is looking to shake up the 2024 fixture with round 1, King’s birthday eve and Good Friday along with a host of potential northern state blockbusters, on the agenda.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 07: Jaidyn Stephenson of the Kangaroos is tackled by George Hewett of the Blues during the round four AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium, on April 07, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

North Melbourne has requested to play Carlton in the annual Good Friday game next year in the firm belief the marquee clash can deliver another blockbuster crowd.

The Kangaroos’ public holiday game attracted 49,062 fans this year with strong support at league headquarters to lock-in the Blues versus Roos’ ‘Superclash’ on an annual basis.

Western Bulldogs have moved on from the Good Friday clash after they were dumped in favour of Carlton for the first time this year, and are eyeing other marquee match-ups.

The Kangaroos want to build the Good Friday rivalry against Carlton as the two clubs closest to the Royal Children’s Hospital which receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from the game.

Alistair Clarkson with RCH patient Ollie at the 2023 Good Friday match. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Roos have been the strongest supporters of the Good Friday game and lobbied the AFL to schedule the clash for the first time in 2017 – against the Bulldogs.

The marquee clash is crucial to the Kangas’ coffers and one of the few potential sellouts at Marvel Stadium on the AFL calendar.

Essendon also wants to stage a blockbuster King’s Birthday eve clash against Carlton on Sunday night, June 9, after a highly successful first-up clash this year which drew 83, 638 to the MCG for the Bombers’ 34-point win.

The AFL is considering starting the 2024 season in Sydney with a GWS Giants versus Collingwood clash at Giants Stadium as part of a split-round extravaganza in New South Wales and Queensland.

The Giants have struggled to attract big crowds in 2023 but are eyeing a big season next year as one of the premiership fancies under second-year coach Adam Kingsley.

Opening the season under lights against the reigning premier would attract a packed-out crowd and monster television audience for the Giants in Round 1.

The Suns’ clash against the Tigers would see new Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick take on his old team in round one. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

And the AFL could also slot-in Sydney versus Melbourne in the Harbour City on Sunday, as well as Gold Coast versus Richmond at Metricon Stadium and Brisbane against Carlton at the Gabba.

The Suns’ clash against the Tigers would see new Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick take on his friends from Punt Rd, while Carlton versus Brisbane is a repeat of the preliminary final.

The contest between the Swans and Melbourne at the SCG would see Brodie Grundy take on his former Melbourne teammates and Max Gawn on the opening weekend.

Melbourne will be under enormous pressure to start the season well after dumping Grundy from the finals team and then trading him to Sydney at Grundy’s request.

The Swans recruit Brodie Grundy could come up against his former club Melbourne in the first week of the 2024 season. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The Demons have endured a horror end to the year bowing out in straight sets, dealing with Clayton Oliver’s potential trade, and Joel Smith’s positive cocaine sample.

Defender Steven May was also accused of showing a lack of humility saying at club’s best and fairest night, saying the Demons should have beaten Collingwood in the qualifying final.

The Suns are also desperate to boost crowd numbers as they look to make the finals for the first time under premiership mastermind Hardwick in 2024.

With four games potentially slated for the opening weekend, the traditional Carlton versus Richmond season-opener could still take centre stage on a Thursday night at the MCG in the opening rounds.

St Kilda is keen for a second MCG blockbuster against a big Melbourne club after attracting a bumper crowd (69,255) for its clash against Essendon for its 150th-year anniversary clash this year.