THE AFL's prized Friday night time slot is moving closer to being the exclusive domain of the big-drawing premiership contenders.
It is believed the league fixture, to be released next week, will freeze out struggling Victorian clubs hoping for a slice of prime-time action.
The Herald Sun understands Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will not have a single Friday night outing next season. In the past it has been an unwritten rule that every Victorian club is awarded at least one Friday night game.
But the AFL has made it clear the position must be earned with on-field performances.
Collingwood, by contrast, is set to play at least seven games in broadcaster Channel 7's key ratings slot.
The Herald Sun understands there will also be a subtle shift in the strength of Sunday afternoon matches in Melbourne next year.
Collingwood, which in recent years has not featured that prominently on Sundays, is believed to be headed for as many as five games in that time slot next year as the league looks to beef it up and Seven's replay leading into its Sunday night news.
The AFL will release its 2013 fixture on Wednesday.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/only-top-clubs-will-snare-prime-time-games-in-2013/story-e6frf9io-1226502673340