Blockbuster fixtures for late rounds revealed

SEN chief sports reporter Sam Edmund has revealed a few insights into the next block of the AFL fixture.

Between rounds 16 and 18, we are set to receive primetime blockbusters featuring only teams in the finals hunt, as well as a few Thursday night showdowns.

“My understanding is that the Thursday and Friday matches coming up from round 16 to 19 will primarily, if not exclusively, feature the current top eight. The best sides up in lights,” Edmund said.

“Round 16 is going to open with the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on a Thursday night.

“Carlton and St Kilda are likely to follow on the Friday night. That could have big finals implications.

“Round 17 appears set to open with Geelong hosting the reigning premier Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on a Thursday night.

“The next night in round 17, I think we’ll see the Swans hosting the Bulldogs on a Friday at the SCG. Two teams playing an exciting brand on a Friday night, I’ll take it.

“Round 18, we go back to the standard Friday to Sunday weekend of footy. Blues versus Cats on a Saturday night, tick. The Friday night slot that night I believe will be the Saints and the Dogs at Marvel Stadium.

“The Dogs have had their challenges this year, but the league still loves them in the primetime slot it would appear.

“The AFL will give you six weeks’ notice of this to get yourselves sorted from round 16 to 19. That’s okay isn’t it? I love the floating fixture.”

– BY NIC NEGREPONTIS/ SEN