It’s official, put it in your diary!
Carlton will once again kick off the AFL home-and-away season, taking on traditional rivals Richmond in a Thursday night blockbuster at the MCG on March 24.
On Thursday morning the AFL unveiled its much-anticipated 2016 footy fixture, ending days of speculation and media commentary.
The Blues will appear regularly in the traditional Saturday afternoon timeslot, as well as playing eight Sunday afternoon games – pleasing families and country supporters.
Carlton’s CEO Steven Trigg says the Club has already been receiving positive feedback from fans surrounding the newly released fixture.
The Blues and the Tigers will again open the AFL Season with a Thursday night blockbuster. (Photo: AFL Photos)
“Our members have welcomed more Saturday and Sunday afternoon matches, especially those with children and junior members,” Trigg said.
“Now we need to make sure we take this opportunity to create family-fun events on game day to encourage families of all ages to get along to the footy.”
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Over the course of the season the Blues will play nine games at the MCG, seven at Etihad Stadium and six interstate matches – including one in Tasmania.
It was announced on Tuesday that Carlton was returning to Aurora Stadium for the first time since 2007 to take on the Hawks during the pre-season competition, and now the two teams will also battle it out on the ‘Apple Isle’ for premiership points in Round 19.
“We haven’t played in Launceston for eight years, so this gives us the chance to reconnect with our Tasmanian members and supporters.
“With Brendon being a Tassie boy there’s no doubt he’ll enjoy travelling to his home state to take on his former team.”
For the second year in a row Carlton will not make the trip to Adelaide, which Trigg says is “extremely disappointing”.
The Blues will play eight Sunday games in 2016, including against the Bombers in Round 6. (Photo: AFL Photos)
“Our South Australian members and supporters are very important to us and we have expressed our frustration to the AFL that once again we will not be travelling to Adelaide. We certainly asked for a game is South Australia.
“We have already engaged our South Australian members this morning via email to let them know we’ll deliver an activation in Adelaide during the season.”
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The Blues will come up against the Swans, Lions, Saints, Pies and Bombers twice, with the games against archrivals Essendon and Collingwood all being played at the MCG.
Unlike last season when Carlton’s bye came in Round 12, in 2016 the Blues will get their mid-year break in Round 13.
The Blues will finish the home-and-away season with two games at the MCG against Melbourne in Round 22 and Essendon in Round 23.
Carlton membership is now available, and we need all Bluebaggers to sign up for the 2016 journey.
“At the end of the day, no matter when and where we play, every time our players run out onto the field they want to compete, develop, learn and ultimately win, and we need our members with us,” Trigg said.
