The AFL has “got it wrong” with its Opening Round ploy and it’s time to scrap it, Fox Footy’s Leigh Montagna and David King believe after a weekend where just two AFL games were held.
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Opening Round aimed to build the AFL’s profile in the northern states of Queensland and NSW, but Tropical Cyclone Alfred ruled out half the matches scheduled for this weekend.
Instead the AFL was left with only two matches – on Friday night and Sunday – and a lopsided fixture where some sides will now enjoy two mid-season byes.
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“Opening Round has missed the mark and I think the AFL need to scrap it right now – and this is the last time we see it,” Montagna said on First Crack.
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“I know there was only the two games, but I would have had the exact same thoughts if there were four games.
“The minuscule advantage the AFL think they are getting having exclusive games up in the northern states is being compromised by what it is doing with the inequities in regards to player safety, the fixturing and all these factors.
“The NRL is on – there’s not like there’s a gap in the northern states’ market.
“The fixturing and the ladder is going to be all over the place – more importantly the fans don’t want it, the clubs don’t want it.
“I just think, acknowledge that maybe they’ve got it wrong. I’m happy for them to try things.
“(But) let’s just scrap it – got it wrong. Move forward.”
King agreed that it was time for the AFL to dismiss their Opening Round after just two seasons.
“The season starts … how about we just start?” he said.
“I think it’s a gimmick. It was OK one year, it hasn’t worked (a second year). Move on, cut the cord.”
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First Crack host Jay Clark tried to argue the fact the GWS Giants made it onto the Herald Sun back page in Victoria was a success.
But he was quickly shot down by Montagna.
“It was the back page of the Melbourne paper,” he said.
“So does that help grow the game in the northern states? Were they on the back page of the Sydney Herald today? Because that’s what we’re getting at.
“We’re still interested in these games but are they actually getting more exposure because it’s the only game in NSW?
“If there was a game at Perth tonight, would that take away from the exposure/opportunity they are getting in the northern states? I don’t think so.”
Montagna agreed with calls from Carlton coach Michael Voss earlier this week to have all nine games played across every state – including one in Victoria – which would likely send up to eight Melbourne teams interstate.
MICHAEL VOSS’ OPENING ROUND IDEA
–Two games in Queensland (Brisbane hosts Victorian team, Gold Coast hosts Victorian team)
–Two games in New South Wales (Sydney hosts Victorian team, GWS hosts Victorian team)
–Two games in South Australia (Adelaide hosts Victorian team, Port Adelaide hosts Victorian team)
–Two games in Western Australia (Fremantle hosts Victorian team, West Coast hosts Victorian team)
–One game in Victoria (two remaining Victorian teams)
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There’s also a belief Opening Round had instead contributed more injuries and less balance to the fixture than raising the profile of the game itself.
“When you look at it, I know for a fact clubs are saying that the injuries over this pre-season – it’s been a talking point – have been because they’ve had to ramp up too quickly after Christmas into getting into pre-season games,” Montagna said.
“If we start next week like we should, it gives them an extra week, week and a half to build up pre season.
“The two byes is a massive advantage for the clubs that get the opportunity.
“Teams like Hawthorn and other clubs this year are going to have two byes in the season to freshen up, set themselves to go again which is going to be a huge advantage.”
The AFL is yet to announce if there will be a third Opening Round held in 2026.
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