News

Twenty-three rounds salute in 2012

Thursday, 20 October 2011
Staff writers for essendonfc.com.au
Page 1 of 1

The AFL has confirmed that the 2012 home and away season will be played over 23 rounds, with three 'multi-bye' rounds of only six games.

The reduced rounds - 11, 12 and 13 - will allow six teams to have a bye in each week of the three-week period.

The multi-bye format has been chosen over the traditional split round as a means of giving players a break during the season.

With the introduction of Greater Western Sydney as the competition's eighth non-Victorian team, all Victorian clubs will play a minimum of five matches outside the state.

And as previously announced, the Grand Final will return to its traditional spot on the last Saturday in September.

The League will release its full 2012 fixture on Friday 28 October.

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I would like to see us play more games at the MCG in 2012. I think too many games at Etihad is having an affect on how we play in the big games against the big clubs at the home of football.

- Michael Wannouch (posted 20/10/2011 4:13:47 PM)

"...all Victorian teams will play a minimum of five matches outside the state." OK, as long as it is consistent and as long the Wobbles don't draw Gold Coast, GWS, Port, Crows and Brisbane as theirs and we get Weagles, Freo, Sydney, Crows. Keep it fair, AFL. Also, are we the only tenant making money at Etihad? Seems the Roos, Dogs and Saints aren't.

- Wesley Hull (posted 20/10/2011 4:46:32 PM)

Wesley - Don't even stress, you know thats exactly what will happen.

- Andrew Couch (posted 20/10/2011 5:40:23 PM)

At Wesley, it's because we have a member base that is large and supports its team. The other sides just aren't large enough.

- Carl Sieger (posted 20/10/2011 7:36:11 PM)

In golfing terms my last post failed to make the cut. Glowing in terms of Dons attempts to trade for Josh Caddy; but cynical appraisal towards GWS during trade week. Took a leaf out of Diane's book, "If at first you don't succeed, try again!" Speaking of which, really hope Essendon pulls out all stops when Caddy's contract expires.

- Martin Gol (posted 20/10/2011 8:04:42 PM)

Stacks of posts re trade week. I have total confidence in Adrian Dodoro as National Recruiting Manager. Just because trades don't necessarily get done, it doesn't mean there was no interest on the clubs part. Personally, I think Essendon is very selective when it comes to trades. There is a strategy - read select targets. Desired results can be extremely difficult to achieve, eg. Josh Caddy!

- Martin Gol (posted 20/10/2011 8:16:28 PM)

Bemused by comments suggesting Essendon can get Josh Caddy for nothing next year. Even if he expressly wishes to be traded to Dons at completion of his contract, he will still need to be traded. If he walks away from Suns he becomes the potential target for all clubs. Unless......!!!

- Martin Gol (posted 20/10/2011 8:24:14 PM)

Here we go, I can see Carlton and Collingwood getting their dream interstate trips to play gold coast, port, greater western syd, freo.

- Roger Youil (posted 20/10/2011 9:03:27 PM)

I hope this allows us to become travellers and to enjoy some success on the road for a change.

- Rob Carew (posted 20/10/2011 10:01:03 PM)

Dear EI, can we get rid of the score and summary of the elimination final please, everytime I jump on this website there it is, top left corner, we have endured it long enough, just an idea to fill the void we could rotate scores/summary of all our wins this year in that space, now thats something I would click on....cheers

- Brendon Wass (posted 20/10/2011 10:23:36 PM)

So there should be no excuse for all Victorian clubs to play at least one game in WA, SA, NSW and QLD, its the only fair way

- wayne o'meara (posted 21/10/2011 12:58:01 AM)

Well haven't we seen Demetriou and co make these "FAIR" type of allogations before? Then he tries to squirm his way out of trying to hand feed Collingwood another premiership! He's sounding more and more like a politician every year! Tells everyone what we wanna hear, which is JUST consistency and fairness, then when the season comes around, it's a complete dogs breakfast! Cont...

- Aaron Salmon (posted 21/10/2011 11:00:54 AM)

Last year before the draw came out we heard the same thing how everyone will win from the draw! Then you see Collingwood being gift wrapped another flag! 18 of their 24 played in Melbourne? No travel till round 14 and the teams they play away G.C, Port, Freo and Sydney! Then in comparison, Essendon play the first 5 rounds against last years finalists after finishing 14 and a bye last round? Fair?!

- Aaron Salmon (posted 21/10/2011 11:13:20 AM)

Agree with all of the comments regarding fixturing. Has the club done its due diligance with the AFL to address our concern??????.....

- Ralph Ralph (posted 21/10/2011 11:36:17 AM)

Shame about Caddy, but read that they wanted Hurley in the trade........they must be joking, no way !!! Its obvious if this is true, that they were never really negotiating. Maybe, if there is another opportunity later, they are more realistic in the trade. Go Bombers!!

- Marilyn Smith (posted 21/10/2011 11:57:18 AM)

Ragarding Essendon and their deal with Etihad.I am pretty sure our contract is different to the othe clubs. We were the first team to go there,so had the better deal.This is why as members,we have to have a reserve seat at home games.See,the club always thinking and doing whats best for us and our great club.As for the draw.Cannot wait for it to come out.Thats when my 2012 planning starts.Thats when I start looking for cheap flights for next year and seems to make it come around quicker.Lots of planning to do for interstate games.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 21/10/2011 12:24:34 PM)

bring it on!! any time anywhere! more traditional Saturday arvo games would be great.

- Rowan Gerecke (posted 21/10/2011 1:09:55 PM)

I think the GC Suns must be still burning on the inside after we smashed them back to reality by 139 points. We drilled them just after they won their first AFL game against a lackluster team. So when they had an opportunity to trade with us they behaved like a child who had their new toy taken away from them and they were not prepared to play the game properly.

- Adrian Reynolds (posted 22/10/2011 8:31:18 AM)

Agree Marilyn, Caddy for Hurley? Get serious, even if they threw in Ablett, Swallow and on-traded Judd to us and they still would'nt be close!! Anyway, yes, a fair draw for us would be nice for a change!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 24/10/2011 3:45:55 PM)

Agree with you on Dodoro Martin. Since they gave him back control after Sheeds departure, he has done really well (Mark Williams aside) and I look forward to embracing the new recruits. I am a real fan of Etihad also. We still get a pretty good run at the G, but always prefer Etihad in the colder months. Don't wish away our summer Diane - it will come quickly enough.

- Brad Scarr (posted 25/10/2011 7:14:55 AM)