AFL tantalises fans with draw snippetsWill Brodie
October 19, 2011 - 12:59PMThe AFL has tantalised footy fans about the features of the 2012 fixture, turning to Twitter to offer a glimpse into the key points of the draw before it's released to the public next week.
Just days after supporters finally took a breath after the conclusion of trade week, AFL spokesman Patrick Keane released a few snippets about the draw today.
For the many fans who complain about Collingwood not travelling as much as other teams, it appears their wishes have been heeded.
"As 18-team competition now has 10 Vic-based and 8 non-Vic clubs, that means that ALL clubs will now travel interstate a minimum of 5 times."
Despite players requesting two weeks without games during the season, there will be only one break per team next year:
"2012 Premiership Season will see 22 GAMES for each club across 23 wks. One week off for each team. Final round to be played Aug 31-Sept 2.
"Rounds 11-12-13 in mid-year will see 6 matches in each of those rounds, compared to normal 9 matches, with 6 clubs havng a bye in each round."
In 2011, clubs faced two byes with 17 teams contesting the season after the introduction of Gold Coast, which pushed the season-decider into October. Next year, the grand final will again be staged in its traditional slot at the end of September:
"2012 Finals Series Dates are - Week 1 - Sept 7/8/9; Week 2 - Sept 14/15; Week 3 - Sept 21/22 and Grand Final - Sept 29."
It remains unclear whether the controversial 'lightning premiership' style pre-season competition will be revisited, but against the wishes of many, the NAB Cup will return:
"2012 NAB Cup will begin the weekend Feb 17/18 for first 9 teams with remaining 9 teams to begin weekend Feb 24/25. NAB Cup GF on Sat 17/3."
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-tantalises-fans-with-draw-snippets-20111019-1m76s.html#ixzz1bCP4UmI3
