The opening match for season 2013 isn't Carlton vs Richmond, it's...?

It's good they're doing something different other than Carlton vs Richmond to kick off the season. It's also good how the season opening will be outside Victoria, which I love hahaha! The Vics were complaining on the radio at the beginning of the year about the season being opened in Sydney.

In regards to this being the last year of AAMI Stadium, I'm pleased that we can finally get away from there and move to the beautiful Adelaide Oval, which is in a far better location. Now my question, should the last ever match at AAMI Stadium be a Showdown? I think so, it's only fair.

Lol Ray, you're already getting caught up in so called experts hype, are you? Dont worry about Cats hate band wagoners, we will be more competitive in 2013 than in 2012 and will still provide headache for top teams. Once Menzel & Varcoe are in a team with hopeful new recruits of Caddy, Macintosh & maybe Rivers and healthy list I'd not be surprised if we finish top 4.

Anyway back on topic, Adelaide vs Bombers - Bombers could steal 4 points here but all depends on pre season and any incurring injuries. I'm not sure that Crows will be any stronger plus they'll have a harder draw. You "expect" Bombers to be more competitive with addition of Goddard.

West Coast vs Fremantle - This is 50-50, could be anyone's game. If the two guns, Nicoski and LeCras are back with more fire up forward you'd think Eagles should prevail in this one.

Carlton vs Richmond - hmmm, is Carlton going to win for a new coach or will Tiges party up? I'm leaning towards Carlton but lets see how pre season pans out.

Hawthorn vs Cats - With healthy list Cats should give Hawks 10th loss in a row and start on a losing note. Again pre season will be an indicator.

Adelaide vs Essendon match should be a pretty interesting start. Essendon usually start the first 8-9 Rounds of the season firing. Not sure who can win this match just yet, The Bombers have also got Brendon Goddard into the Squad, and the Crows have lost Kurt Tippet. I expect a REAL close game forsure.

Fremantle vs West Coast match should be yet another Tight game, i expect the Eagles to start off the Season well enough to sit around in the Top 4. Mark Nicoski and Mark LeCras are back into the Forward Line, and new recruit X-Pie Sharrod Wellingham should be playing his first game for the Eagles.

And as for the Geelong vs Hawthorn match, I expect the Hawks to FINALLY break their Hoodoo against the Catters. And Geelong should have an ordinary year in 2013, but i expect the Hawks to fly.

If there is a god out there he'll help Richmond get a win in round one, losing to Carlton has become too much of a habit.

Hopefully it's a good first round but not totally convinced about this whole split opening round thing

I think it's best to spread it around or clubs start to think they're entitled to it (first game, last game, long weekend games etc). I think though blockbusters are wasted on round 1 (like the Geelong/Hawthorn game) - those are better saved up for a few weeks to when both teams have their best chance of firing up and providing a good spectacle.

I was glad when they got rid of the previous year's grand finalists playing in round 1. Let's have that decided when there are no excuses!

EDIT: Oh and it's great to see LEO wasting no time to bag out the cats! Love it - that team who won the Grand Final of the VFL, mixed with 17 remaining AFL premiership players will be shite again next year too!!

no longer something is desperate with the AFL. each and every little thing is concern to alter because of the fact they're working a employer. The ANZAC day conflict between Collingwood & Essendon. would desire to come under the microscope. whilst the AFL is going to 2 divisions interior the destiny. Leaving this Q of yours with little or no relevance what so ever. cheers.

lol q it's not really bagging the cats out, its saying that they aren't the same super power they were in the midst of their flags (07,09,11)

You have to know there will be a time that the cats will only be a mediocre side, before they can build back into greatness.

That said why on earth play cats vs hawks and a derby in round 1 its just plain silly in my opinion.

Port vs Adelaide I hope

The start of a new era for the power

Go Port

We are on the rise

At least Richmond will be spared their annual opening round humiliation.....on a friday night of course. Didn't read all that properly. Doh!

Why is it going to be a split round ??? i dont get it they only have split rounds when its a bye!!!