Round 1, 2018 - Richmond vs Carlton @ the M.C.G. / The night we unfurl our flag

[one-eyed]

Carlton wants to keep season-opener against Richmond as part of 2018 fixture request

JAY CLARK,
Herald Sun
September 13, 2017 6:33pm

CARLTON wants to again share centre stage with Richmond in next year’s blockbuster season-opener, raising hopes the marquee match could attract a record crowd.

The Blues confirmed they had requested to launch the season against Richmond on March 22, continuing a Round 1 rivalry with the Tigers which stretches back to 2007.

“It is a privilege to open the season against Richmond, and I think they feel the same way,” Carlton chief executive Steven Trigg said.

“We are keen for it to continue next year.”

Carlton is also targeting an early-season blockbuster against Essendon at the MCG to help celebrate the 50-year anniversary of its 1968 premiership win over the Bombers.

While the AFL is still working through fixture requests, and has not made any guarantees, there is believed to be strong support at headquarters to retain the Carlton-Richmond match-up as the first game of the year.

The season-opener would be again expected to draw a monster crowd and potentially surpass the 87,043 which saw Ben Cousins make his Richmond debut in 2009.

The Tigers are gunning for a drought-breaking premiership after booking a preliminary final berth last weekend, and are likely to be handed a bumper 2018 fixture laced with commercial and prime time television benefits next season.

After four years out of the finals, Carlton is also keen to climb up the ladder next year and have registered its strong interest in Greater Western Sydney midfield jet Josh Kelly to help accelerate its list rebuild.

There have been calls to dump the two clubs from the prized season-opener slot in recent seasons due to some poor form, but Richmond’s 43-point win over the Blues in Round 1 this year attracted the fifth-biggest crowd of the regular season (73,137).

Carlton hosted this year’s season opener, meaning it could be the Tigers turn to snare the lucrative gate takings next season.

The Herald Sun revealed last month Geelong has requested to play the Blues at Simonds Stadium next year for the first time in 21 years.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/carlton-wants-to-keep-seasonopener-against-richmond-as-part-of-2018-fixture-request/news-story/8ec719290a55564c36583f3070535c43

[Knighter]

Time for a change. This minnow club can pee off after they made a decision to not split the gate. Bring on Collingwood in Rd 1.

[The Machine]

Time for a change. This minnow club can pee off after they made a decision to not split the gate. Bring on Collingwood in Rd 1.

Absolutely agree wit this. They only want us so they bring in big coin round 1 next year. The decision to not split the gate should see us look elsewhere.

[Slipper]

Time for a change. This minnow club can pee off after they made a decision to not split the gate. Bring on Collingwood in Rd 1.

We did the same to Collingwood when Casey was President.

[🏅Dooks]

pee em orf

[WilliamPowell]

Nah

Strong start to the season with a massive % should not be ignored 

[Dougeytherichmondfan]

Nah

Strong start to the season with a massive % should not be ignored 

^This^.

[Gracie]

It is that low life scum bag club we all love to beat.

Get a win and % as WP suggested

In any case it is our turn for the home game next year is it not?

[Owl]

Stomping a mud hole in Carltons arse at the start of the year isn't a bad way to kick a season off, especially after the Yarran trade.

[mat073]

Never forget 2009 .

Lets keep torturing the bast@#d $

[WilliamPowell]

In any case it is our turn for the home game next year is it not?

Yes it is

We don't share the gate so it's a win /win on so many levels 

[one-eyed]

100 days to go until we unfurl our 2017 flag  .


Round 1
Richmond vs Carlton
MCG
Thursday, March 22 @ 7.25pm

[one-eyed]

Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer expects the Blues to showcase a more attacking style of football this season, as they look to grow on the defensive foundations they’ve laid under Brendon Bolton’s rebuild.

The Blues finished last in scoring in 2017 and haven’t eclipsed the 100-point mark since Round 11, 2016.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/01/31/kreuzer-anticipates-young-blues-to-attack-in-2018/

[mightytiges]

Our view from the top of the ladder looking down at the bottom where Carlton is looking back up  .

[Slipper]

Our view from the top of the ladder looking down at the bottom where Carlton is looking back up  .

Am I right in assuming that is their leadership group for this year?