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THE 2017 AFL fixture will be released on Thursday morning.
Clubs have been submitting their fixture requests to get the best on-field and financial outcomes.
Friday night fixtures remain at the top of club wish lists, while six-day breaks and travel in consecutive weeks are on the nose.
Our reporters have checked in with every club to see what they want from the fixture, and picked out the round that fans will be first to circle on Thursday.
What they'll want: The Crows are keen to continue hosting a game during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round to build on the work they do with their indigenous programs. They have also requested a fair share of games in marquee timeslots, in particular Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The Crows, who were the highest scoring team in the competition this year, are hoping they are rewarded for their entertaining brand of football. Hosting some big Victorian clubs would also help the Crows commercially.
The game the fans will be looking for: Usually the two games with cross-town rivals Port Adelaide are the highlight, but there will be some added spice when the Crows face Carlton after the Blues refused to facilitate a trade for Bryce Gibbs. The Crows haven't hosted the Blues since 2010. - Lee Gaskin
What they'll want: The Lions like to have a decent number of games in Victoria so former Fitzroy fans have the chance to watch them play. They had seven this year, including one in Geelong. After a tough start to 2016 (round one this year was an away assignment versus West Coast) the Lions would like a cushier run early on to commence Chris Fagan's reign as coach.
The game the fans will be looking for: The QClash in round one against Gold Coast will be at Metricon Stadium but a return clash at the Gabba would have the crowd involved every time former Lion Pearce Hanley touches the ball. - Dinny Navaratnam
What they'll want: Carlton pushed its case for Good Friday football and will be disappointed it isn't involved in the inaugural fixture. The Blues will be keen on a more family-friendly schedule, with a better balance between Saturday and Sunday matches after playing eight home Sunday games this year. It's been two years since the Blues travelled to face Adelaide or the Power, so the club would hope to play in front of its South Australian fans at some stage next season.
The game the fans will be looking for: Blues supporters expect the club to be part of the season opener against Richmond, so traditional Saturday afternoon clashes against Essendon and Collingwood at the MCG early in the season would be next on their checklist. - Travis King
What they'll want: For the second successive year, the Magpies joined forces with the Western Bulldogs to lobby the AFL for the privilege of contesting a round-one marquee match at the MCG, and that request has been granted for a standalone Friday night clash on March 24. The Pies have also asked for a home game against old enemy Carlton in May to coincide with the club's 125th birthday celebrations. They would also prefer to be scheduled a home game directly before their annual Anzac Day clash with Essendon, and minimal home games during school holidays.
The game the fans will be looking for: It's hard to go past the season opener, when former Pies star Travis Cloke is scheduled to make his debut for the Dogs and face his old club for the first time. That's assuming the veteran forward gets a game first up for the reigning premier. - Ben Collins
What they'll want: The Bombers were keen to have a round one blockbuster against a Victorian team and have had that wish granted, opening their season on Saturday night at the MCG against Hawthorn. The club has also asked for its 'Country Game' against Geelong to be in May and to coincide with the bye in country leagues around Victoria so the community can be more involved in the pre-match festivities at the MCG. For that reason, the Bombers are hopeful the game will be played at night. Those two big clashes, paired with Essendon's regular Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the 'G marquee games, make for a big and busy start to the club's season. There will be no change in the Bombers' split of seven home games at Etihad Stadium and four at the MCG for next year.
The game the fans will be looking for: It is hard to go past round one for Bombers fans. The return of their suspended players against their arch rivals will make for a huge night for the club as it looks to start a new, fresh era after the supplements saga. - Callum Twomey
The Dreamtime at the 'G fixture will again be a highlight. Picture: AFL Photos
What they'll want: The Dockers are keen to limit the number of long-haul trips each season to as few as possible. The travel comes with the territory but the longer trips to Queensland, Tasmania and NSW are viewed as an added burden. The Dockers travelled to Queensland twice last year and Tasmania and NSW once each. They only had five six-day breaks in 2016 and would keen for as few as possible in 2017.
The game the fans will be looking for: The Western Derbies have lost some spice in the past two seasons as the Dockers have lost the past three pretty comfortably. Dockers fans would want to restore some pride in 2017. - Alex Malcolm
What they'll want: Geelong has put in a request for eight home games at Simonds Stadium in 2017 as the club readies itself for the completion of the venue after recent works. The Cats also had eight matches at their home ground in 2016. The stage four redevelopment of the Charles Brownlow Stand is expected to be completed on Friday, May 19 with the Cats planning for a showpiece clash at Simonds Stadium that weekend.
The game the fans will be looking for: When the fixture is released on Thursday, Geelong supporters and players will be quick to circle the first clash against Hawthorn on their schedules. A few faces might be different, but the heated rivalry remains intact. - Ben Guthrie
What they'll want: Gold Coast has got its wish with a game for the seventh straight season to be played in Cairns, this one against reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs in round 18. The Suns have identified North Queensland as a key growth area for the club. Gold Coast also looks like being part of history with the Suns the probable opponents for Port Adelaide as it begins its venture into China. The mid-May match likely to be staged in Shanghai is set to open up plenty of possibilities for the Suns from a business point of view as well.
The game the fans will be looking for: Suns recruit Pearce Hanley won't have to wait long to face off against his former Brisbane Lions teammates with the first QClash scheduled for round one. - Ben Guthrie
What they'll want: Friday night footy is the No.1 thing on the Giants' wish list for 2016, with the club keen to show off its exciting game style on the biggest stage. Already premiership favourites in 2017, the addition of All Australian Brett Deledio adds even more star power to Leon Cameron's side, and big games in prime time will bring more eyes on the Giants. Saturday twilight games and high-profile opponents in Canberra will also be high on the GWS wish list.
The game the fans will be looking for: The Giants got within a kick of this year's Grand Final and their clash with the Western Bulldogs will be much anticipated, with the premiers and GWS set for a longstanding rivalry. - Adam Curley
The Giants and Dogs are set to build their burgeoning rivalry. Picture: AFL Photos
What they'll want: Hawthorn's arrangement to play four "home" games in Tasmania each season is a priority for the club to continue its strong relationship with the Launceston region. The Hawks, who have won 19 straight games at Aurora Stadium, will expect that part of the fixture to be ticked off. The Hawks would also prefer to play all Melbourne home games at the MCG, as they did this season.
The game the fans will be looking for: The chance to say goodbye to five-time club champion Sam Mitchell at the MCG. The Hawks will almost certainly face Jordan Lewis' Melbourne at the home of football, but it would be a special occasion bidding farewell to Mitchell if he comes to town as a West Coast player. - Travis King
What they'll want: An improving Melbourne has made the Anzac Eve clash against Richmond into a winner and would like to continue that game. It should also be hoping for a Friday night game, having been kept from that timeslot in three of the past four seasons. Lock in the traditional Queen's Birthday clash against Collingwood and two games in the Northern Territory, with the Alice Springs venue providing a great television spectacle. And hope for no home games at Etihad, a place Melbourne supporters don't like.
The game the fans will be looking for: Having beaten the Hawks last season, Demons fans will want to know when they can unleash Jordan Lewis against his old mob in a line-up that has a better-than-even chance of winning. - Peter Ryan
What they'll want: North Melbourne has pushed for more than 20 years to play football on Good Friday and that dream has become a reality. The twilight clash against the Western Bulldogs will provide both clubs with a blockbuster fixture. The Roos have signed off on a deal to continue playing three "home" matches a season in Hobart until 2021 and will expect those games to be included in next year's schedule, ideally with one played on a Friday night. Fewer six-day breaks would also be welcome after eight this year.
The game the fans will be looking for: A Good Friday blockbuster. The Roos have campaigned long and hard to play on the religious holiday and they'll get their chance in 2017. - Travis King
The Kangas will kick off Good Friday footy against the Bulldogs. Picture: AFL Photos
What they'll want: The Power will have their historic game in China confirmed when they face Gold Coast in Shanghai. The match is expected to be held in May, with both clubs hoping to have a bye either before or after. The Power would like more games in Victoria after only playing four this year, with two of those at the MCG. They also played in Canberra and Alice Springs. The Power would be keen to maintain its tradition of hosting a game during the Anzac Round for the 14th straight year.
The game the fans will be looking for: The Showdown with arch rivals Adelaide always brings that little bit extra out of the Power. In a year in which reaching the finals will again be tough, those two games will be ones to circle on the calendar. - Lee Gaskin
What they'll want: The Tigers have a clear wish list, with three marquee matches. They have prioritised the season opener against Carlton, Anzac Day eve against Melbourne, which falls on a Monday night in 2017, and Dreamtime at the 'G against Essendon. Richmond is also keen to avoid home games at Etihad Stadium, but usually ends up with one. The club is expecting to lose its strong presence on Friday nights after winning just eight games in 2016. Its official submission to the AFL included requests to minimise six-day breaks, particularly after travelling.
The game the fans will be looking for: Round one is always a massive game for the Tigers with all eyes on their showdown against Carlton. An off-season of hope can be stripped away in three hours, but last year showed a win in round one can also provide false cause for optimism. - Nathan Schmook
Will round one provide a fresh start or false hope for the Tigers? Picture: AFL Media
What they'll want: The Saints would again like to stage a Pride Game with the Sydney Swans after the success of the fixture this year. The club had a second Maddie's Match this year against the Western Bulldogs, but would prefer to face Richmond in this fixture in 2017. More exposure in prime time is desired after the Saints narrowly missed out on finals and they didn't receive a Friday night game this year.
The game the fans will be looking for: St Kilda supporters have reason to be confident when their club faces Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, with the Saints having beaten the Demons on the past 14 occasions the two sides have met. - Dinny Navaratnam
What they'll want: The Swans hosted North Melbourne on Friday night this year and Hawthorn on a Thursday night, and they'll want more massive games at the SCG in those slots next year. A Friday night clash against Collingwood, Hawthorn or Geelong to kick off Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round would be a huge draw and almost guarantee a sellout in Sydney. More games in Melbourne are also on the wish list.
The game the fans will be looking for: The first Sydney Derby will be a monster after this year's fiery qualifying final between the Giants and the Swans, and the rivalry is only going to intensify. - Adam Curley
What they'll want: The Eagles are keen to avoid as many six-day breaks as possible given they travel every second week. They had seven six-day breaks last season including two in a row in the last three rounds of the home and away season. The Eagles requested more games at the MCG in 2016 after playing just twice there in 2015, including the Grand Final. They played three at the MCG in 2016 and would be hoping for as many as possible in 2017.
The game the fans will be looking for: Eagles fans love the Hawthorn clashes but the first meeting with the Hawks will have a completely new element with four-time premiership Hawk Sam Mitchell set to wear Eagles colours in 2017. - Alex Malcolm
What they'll want: The club's ongoing call for more exposure on Friday nights is set to be granted with AFL CEO Gill McLachlan saying the Bulldogs are "certainly going to get their share" of the marquee timeslot after their drought-breaking Grand Final triumph. The Dogs are set to play for premiership points for the first time in Ballarat next year and have lobbied for a late-season clash with a non-Victorian side, with Adelaide shaping as a likely opponent. They'll also return to Cairns for another clash with the Suns. And after just two home and away appearances on the MCG in 2016, the Dogs would love more opportunities to visit the ground that now holds such fond memories.
The game the fans will be looking for: After a classic preliminary final, a re-match against an ominous Greater Western Sydney outfit will be a must-see affair. The sides look set for many epic battles in the coming years. - Ryan Davidson
