The AFL says it has listened to fans staying away from the footy and will abandon the maligned floating fixture for the first 15 rounds of the 2023 season.
The decision to lock in the first 15 rounds of next year’s fixture, rather than releasing venues and days in smaller blocks, comes afterThe uncertainty created by a floating or rolling fixture was one of the reasons offered in fan and club surveys for the drop-off in attendances, along with a move to digital ticketing, late start times, and the fact people had become accustomed to watching live sport on television during the pandemic.
“We have committed to delivering the first 15 rounds of the 2023 fixture, and then potentially a block of six rounds , leaving round 23 as the floating fixture – which has worked really well in the last few years in having finals positions come down to the very last match of the season.” League executives were also concerned about the potential for further COVID-related issues, such as when droves of players from West Coast and Fremantle were sidelined with virus early in the season.
“I understand that, but you have to make choices and in this case, the priority should be fans, members and clubs.“The supporters and members are the most important people in football apart from the players, and this is not in their long-term interests or those of the clubs.
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