The AFL released the 2007 fixture today and for the first time since 2000 Carlton will play a home game in round one.The Blues will open the AFL season with a home game against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday April 1st, with the match commencing at 5:10pm. Carlton will then play an away game against Geelong at the Dome before a round three home clash with traditional rivals Essendon at the MCG on Saturday April 14th.Carlton CEO Michael Malouf said the Club is comfortable with the 2007 fixture and is particularly pleased with playing less games on a Sunday as this was a big disappointment with this year’s fixture.“We are pleased that for the first time since 2000 we will be playing a home game in round one. Another positive with our fixture for 2007 is seven home games on a Saturday. Our Members indicated their strong disappointment to the 2006 fixture when we played seven home matches on a Sunday,” Michael Malouf said in response to the release of the fixture today.“It is important for our Members that with the completion of the MCG it has enabled the AFL to ensure we play our preferred home game mix with six matches at the Dome and five at the MCG in 2007,” added Michael.Carlton will play six matches interstate in 2007, including a match against the Kangaroos at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast in round 8. The Blues will travel to Perth twice, Sydney and Adelaide once and will have two visits to Queensland; one match in Brisbane and one on the Gold Coast. All interstate matches are Carlton away games.“Playing six interstate matches may not be ideal however it provides us with the opportunity to continue to promote the Carlton Football Club around Australia as well as providing our strong membership and supporter base in these areas with the opportunity to see Carlton play,” Michael said.