The opening match of the 2012 season is expected to be the inaugural Sydney derby between the Swans and GWS at ANZ Stadium, which could be played a week prior to the other round one games.

The date and starting time for both matches will be confirmed when the fixture is released on Friday, October 28.

"We're trying to create a marquee fixture for every club … Richmond and Carlton in the opening round, St Kilda and Carlton on the Mothers' Day Monday, the Freo game on Anzac Day evening," AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan told Trade Week Radio on Tuesday.

"These evolving fixtures have been well-supported and rate well."

The Tigers and Blues have been meeting in the opening game of round one since 2008.

Regardless of whether next year's contest proves to be one-sided, the League hopes the big-drawing clubs will continue to meet in round one in future seasons.

"I don't think anything's ever guaranteed, except for Anzac Day and a couple of others," McLachlan said.

"But I think if you're going to try and create one of those for every team, then if one team gets belted for a few years in a row, or there is a lop-sided result, I still think you need to persevere.

"So I think [the Richmond v Carlton game] is something that's here to stay for a while, but you never rule anything in or out permanently."

McLachlan also stated there will be no football played on Good Friday in 2012, while the Grand Final will again take place in the afternoon rather than at night.