HAWTHORN is the big winner of the 2009 fixture, according to AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan.

The Hawks will have 17 of their matches on free-to-air television in 2009.

McLachlan said the reigning premiers had earned the right to have strong free-to-air exposure after the Hawks won their first flag since 1991 this year. He also nominated some emerging teams as others to benefit from the fixture.

"Hawthorn is a big winner this year in the fixture in terms of their free exposure," McLachlan said.

"Carlton and their resurgence and Richmond probably have more exposure in that sense.

"Obviously the teams who were strong last season – Geelong and St Kilda have got very good draws as well as Collingwood."

Asked why Essendon had fewer free-to-air matches in 2009 – the Bombers will have 13 on free to air – McLachlan said it was simply because of the red and black's dip in form in recent times.

"They're a team that finished closer to the bottom of the ladder than the top and it's cyclical. They've still got a strong free-to-air representation and those bigger night slots end up going to the teams at the top," he said.

Meanwhile, the fixture will have just one split round next year.

McLachlan said the AFL considered having two again, like it did this year (due to the Hall of Fame tribute match between Victoria and the Dream Team), but opted not to continue down that path in 2009. 

"We had a look at it and we're comfortable in the end with one break."

McLachlan also said the NAB Cup fixture would be released in coming weeks.