SEN chief sports reporter Sam Edmund has revealed a few insights into the next block of the AFL fixture.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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,\u201d Edmund said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRound 16 is going to open with the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on a Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarlton and St Kilda are likely to follow on the Friday night. That could have big finals implications.<\/p>\n
\u201cRound 17 appears set to open with Geelong hosting the reigning premier Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on a Thursday night.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe next night in round 17, I think we\u2019ll see the Swans hosting the Bulldogs on a Friday at the SCG. Two teams playing an exciting brand on a Friday night, I\u2019ll take it.<\/p>\n
\u201cRound 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Dogs have had their challenges this year, but the league still loves them in the primetime slot it would appear.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe AFL will give you six weeks\u2019 notice of this to get yourselves sorted from round 16 to 19. That\u2019s okay isn\u2019t it? I love the floating fixture.\u201d<\/p>\n
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