The official AFL draw has been released, with Carlton and Hawthorn among the big winners and Collingwood left to rue its fall from grace.
Premiers in 2023, the Pies have been handed a horror draw, opening the season against seven finalists from last season in its opening eight games.
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After missing the finals last year, Collingwood play premiers Brisbane twice in the first two months, along with Sydney, Geelong and Port Adelaide.
Carlton meanwhile only face two finalists twice across the 24-round campaign, the Hawks and Power.
The Blues also have two match-ups with bottom sides West Coast and North Melbourne, plus Collingwood and Essendon, giving them an edge 파워볼 on paper heading into September.
Hawthorn, which enjoyed a fairytale run to the finals in 2024, will be firmly in the spotlight after drawing seven Thursday or Friday night timeslots over the first 16 rounds.
After fans were left disappointed by the lack of Thursday night fixtures over the back end of last season, there are no less than 23 games scheduled that night next year.
The previous graveyard that was Sunday night, which was often filled by teams at the lower end of the table, will now be a prime slot, including a Gather Round clash between the Hawks and Port and the King’s Birthday Eve headliner between Essendon and Carlton.
