Carlton and Richmond will again kick off 2017 season with an opening round blockbusterJAY CLARK
Herald Sun
October 19, 2016 CARLTON and Richmond will again launch the AFL season next year.
The Blues and Tigers will face-off in the blockbuster season-opener despite suggestions other teams should be given the chance to play in the marquee slot.
Both teams missed out on finals last year but the Herald Sun has confirmed the league has again ticked-off on the traditional match-up.
The game, which will be a Carlton home game, is pencilled in for Thursday, March 23 at the MCG.
It will be the 10th time in 11 years Carlton and Richmond have met in Round 1.
Essendon has also requested to host Melbourne under lights in a game that will reunite players banned from the Bombers’ injections program in Round 1.
The Richmond-Carlton clash has drawn bumper crowds and TV audiences in recent years, with more than 75,000 attending last year’s season-opener.
The AFL has been pleased with the overall attendance and marketability of the contest and has seen no reason to change.
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