Roast Has Opening Round been totally botched?

[Blackhawk42]

AFAIK Richmond and Carlton have a contract that specifies they will play the first game of round 1. This is all just a naming trick to circumvent that little legality

Why would that contract exist?

 

[Vindicater]

It won't happen again. So ****ing dumb.

 

[Romeoh1]

Don’t mind it- happy to wait and see how it goes.

 

[juss]

Feel like they botched Richmond's scheduling at least. Twilight on the Gold Coast in what was always going to be taxing conditions and then playing 5 days later, just have us play next Saturday or Friday.

They were desperate to create the Dimma vs Tigers narrative however otherwise Suns would have low interest in the opening round and also keen to keep that Carlton/Richmond big MCG game in "Round 1"

 

[powerrrrrrrrrrrr]

Absolutely ridiculous concept and has completely destroyed any hype heading into the season.

We don’t wait 6 months to only have 4 games and over half the comp on a bye. Especially being scheduled 4 days after the last preseason game, it just feels like the preseason.

Then there’s the whole equality of it. 8 teams get an extra in season bye. That kind of advantage simply shouldn’t happen. Especially 5/6 weeks into the season which is the prime time for a rest before the mid season by in 7/8 weeks time.

secondly, why do all the away teams have to be MCG tenants? They already travel the least amount during the year so what do they do, give them the extra bye. Poor scheduling.

If they had to go ahead with this stupid round, the WA teams should have been involved. Darby in round 6, give them the bye the week before and a decent break from travel as the most travelled team.

Another failed publicity stunt. Honestly it’s just ridiculous even thinking playing a couple games in NRL territory is going to sway anyone. They will be watching NRL and won’t even know it’s on!

 

[Alfonz]

It's not just the opening round. It's the byes in Rd 2, 3, 5, 6 in order to get things back on track for the normal 9 games per week. It's right up there with the stupidest things the AFL has tried, which is some achievement.

 

[VinnieB]

Premiers should play the 1st game of the season at home and celebrate the unfurling of the flag.

 

[blinkd]

I think its a dumb idea but I'm footy starved and will watch every game.

 

[PowerBaz]

Why would that contract exist?

Because the Victorian Government said so?

 

[Elixuh]

Great idea. Great execution. VFL club supporters complaining about fixture inequalities make me chuckle.

 

[Captivating]

It won't happen again. So ******* dumb.

Except it’ll happen the next 4 years to align with NRL’s opening in the US

 

[10571z]

This is the flattest lead up to an afl season ever. Zero excitement in Melbourne about afl being played tomorrow.

 

[Maddo11]

This is the flattest lead up to an afl season ever. Zero excitement in Melbourne about afl being played tomorrow.

Yeah well it's the AFL and I'm sure the games will be well attended so boo hoo for Melbourne

 

[Loose at HB]

Not a terrible idea - but god awful execution.

I have no issue with Carlton playing their first game of the season up in Brisbane. But "Opening Round" or whatever you want to call it should just be Round 1 - all the teams should play. Doesn't matter where the marquee games are played and if the AFL want to sell out stadiums in NSW and QLD all weekend then go for it.

Just don't have it with only 4 games and then 4 rounds early in the season staggered with extra byes. Nonsense

 

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Only thing that will save it is if tv ratings are high, but in terms of momentum and the usual buzz that we get from round 1 this feels incredibly flat.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

They got the dates right.

And whilst I can understand what they’re doing - it totally ruins the lead up to the season IMO.

The week leading up to the season in Victoria is usually full of buzz. I haven’t experienced any of that this year.

Screw Victoria. You have the grand final in perpetuity, so learn to share other times of year.

 

[CakeEater]

its not opening round thats been botched.

Its the fact that all these 8 teams all play sides in R1 that didnt play in the Opening Round.

Its not that hard.

 

[The King!]

Its stupid

 

[My_Username]

AFAIK Richmond and Carlton have a contract that specifies they will play the first game of round 1. This is all just a naming trick to circumvent that little legality

On what basis do you say that?

 

[CakeEater]

On what basis do you say that?

Probably is correct though.

It is the Vfl though.

 

[Teen Wolf]

its not opening round thats been botched.

Its the fact that all these 8 teams all play sides in R1 that didnt play in the Opening Round.

Its not that hard.

Carlton play Richmond in R1, and Collingwood play Sydney.

Apparently reading a fixture is too hard for you?

 

[CakeEater]

Carlton play Richmond in R1, and Collingwood play Sydney.

Apparently reading a fixture is too hard for you?

Freo play Brisbane so my point stands.

How hard is it to roster those 8 who play first to play another side of those 8 in round 1?

 

[Kappa]

Yep, a total flop. Usually on the edge of my seat all week leading up to round 1.

This week i have to remind myself every day that footy starts this week, I made dinner plans Friday night without even realising my team was playing.

A total flop? If the games are all sellouts and have great ratings it would be an absolute success despite a few Bigfooty whingers.

 

[STPer18]

How is this even a Vic vs non-Vic thing? You've got ten teams having a bye in the first round of the year, play them all in Rugba League heartland if the chip is that big, as long as they're being played. Indefensible rubbish.

 

[Catastrophe!]

Just play all 9 games interstate in opening round. Make it a spectacle. Having 10 teams on a bye whilst the other 8 play, is just ludicrous, as others have stated.

No problem with the concept or the idea, just the execution that is completely insane to me.