CTV > Gary Pert responds to questions regarding the 2009 fixture

Collingwood’s chief executive officer, Gary Pert, believes that the club is pretty happy with the fixture.

Pert spoke with collingwoodfc.com.au on Tuesday to respond to questions submitted by Collingwood supporters via a website blog.

“We are very comfortable with the fixture we have got.  Is it perfect?  No.  We would probably make some changes if it was totally about Collingwood.”

Pert responded to the three most pressing questions posted online by the supporters.

How much of an influence do the clubs have in creating the fixture? (Brad, 14 year member)

“We have contracts with the MCG to play 14 games and Telstra Dome to play four.

“At the same time there are components of the fixture that we don’t have any control of (for example) who we play in a particular round or on what day.

“We put in recommendations to the AFL at the start of the year.  We work with the AFL on an ongoing basis as the fixture is being put together and then at some stage you have got to try and win some and accept the others just so that it works for all the clubs.”

Why is Collingwood playing on Monday night? (Sam, aged 19)

“It really wasn’t one of those ones that we had a lot of influence over.

“I think right across the board you have to look at the fixture in total you actually can’t look at this specific week, or this specific game, or why don’t we play that team when it suits us. 

“You actually have to look at the whole component and I think the fact that our supporters and members have got 18 games in Melbourne, they have got 14 at the MCG, we only travel four times, it gives our supporters and members great access to the team.

“There are going to be certain times of the year that is not ideal for us in a perfect world.”

Why are we playing two of our home games at the Telstra Dome against St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs? (Maria, supporter for 39 years)

“I accept that it would probably be our preference to play some of the interstate clubs but in working with the fixture with the AFL, it was impossible to get that mix to fall into place.  And again we have to accept that to get the wins in other areas.”