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NORTH Melbourne CEO Carl Dilena has backed the AFL's surprising call to schedule a weekend off before finals next year, sparked in part by the Kangaroos resting a host of stars in round 23 last season.
And Dilena says the Roos are pleased with a strong commercial fixture where they will feature in five Friday night clashes – including an historic first in Hobart against Richmond.
North and Fremantle created a storm of controversy when they rested a raft of big names in round 23 ahead of guaranteed finals berths, due to injury and fatigue concerns.
Both sides gained permission from the AFL, but the League has moved to protect the integrity of the game by announcing a weekend off for all finalists in 2016.
"I didn't know it was coming – we don't have a lot of line of sight on the fixture until it comes – so I found it interesting," Dilena told AFL.com.au.
"I think it's a good response, it's a logical response from the AFL, and it is challenging for teams going into finals when you've got the walking wounded towards the end of the year.
"Particularly if you're scrambling to make finals, like we were, you don't have the chance to rest players. It's probably a real positive."
The Roos are pleased to be back on the Friday night stage more often next season after three appearances in 2015.
North faces the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, the Sydney Swans at the SCG and hosts Richmond in a first-ever Friday night match at Blundstone Arena in Tasmania in round 11.
Dilena expects a sell-out crowd of around 17-18,000 people to attend the June clash – even if the weather is chilly at the start of winter.
"The Friday night versus for Richmond will be a real first for the state, and I'm sure it will be a total sell-out and we're excited about that," he said.
"I think people will be rugging-up, but if you go to the MCG on a Friday night in June or July you're going to be cold as well."
The Roos are also confident of attracting large crowds when they host the Swans and Melbourne at their Tasmanian stronghold, where they've won six-straight games.
"You've got Richmond and Sydney, who we played in the finals this year … and then with Melbourne, there's good support down there for the traditional Melbourne clubs. Everyone in Tassie's got their historic Victorian team," Dilena said.
Although North has been handed one fewer MCG match next season – a solitary blockbuster against Hawthorn in round 21 – Dilena wasn't concerned.
"I just think it's one of those balancing acts," he said.
"You would love to play more games at the MCG, but it's not a big concern.
"The general attitude is we'll play anywhere and Etihad is a good hunting ground for us."
The Roos also checked a major item off their wishlist when they were scheduled to play four of their last five games in Melbourne – with the other at Blundstone – from round 19 onwards, when Brent Harvey is on track to break Michael Tuck's all-time games record.
