WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has questioned the AFL's decision to shorten the match between his side and the Kangaroos on Friday night at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

The league has decided cut each quarter to 15 minutes plus time on for tonight’s match as opposed to the usual 17 minutes 30 seconds plus time-on. The West Coast/Fremantle derby in Perth on Sunday will also be played with the 15 minute quarters with temperatures in the mid 30s expected. Players will also receive longer breaks in both games.

This week’s weather in Darwin has been wet and humid yet relatively mild with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees. Eade said he believed this weather did not call for a shortened game.

"It's an interesting one. I don't think it's really applicable and doesn't really need to be done," he told afl.com.au.

"It's not that hot, it's not that oppressive and really it cuts out the advantage of having 26 on the bench.

"The limited interchanges are going to be more than enough and we'll make use of them.

“But because it's limited game time, some players will get less game time, I would have thought.

"That's OK but it's a bit of a shame. You've also got to juggle enough game time for preparation for round one as well. So you cut that short.

"It's out of our control though, and we'll just get on with it."

However, the Bulldogs' coach said the trip to Darwin was still a valuable exercise.

"It cuts it short by 10 or 15 minutes but it's not a waste of time," he said.

"We're still here to win the game, whether that's over five minutes or 105. That's not an issue."

Having forged a strong bond with Darwin over the past few seasons, Eade said his players were familiar with the heavy surface and the humidity.

But, he also said whichever side won on Friday night would face a tough recovery process to be fit in time for their next NAB Cup assignment.

"There are no long term effects (of playing on a heavy ground) but it's about the recovery for next week coupled with the travel,” Eade said.

“So I would think, whoever loses would rest quite a few for next week.

"Whoever wins has the juggling act of what they do with their program and who to play and who not to play.

"You're more susceptible to fatigue injuries like thighs and calves because of the heavy ground, and the travel back, so certainly recovery has got to be a major focus after the game."

Eade said the club generally enjoyed its time in Darwin and believed the fixture was a positive option for the club.

"The reality is we've got to play two home games away," he said.

"We'd love to play [all] our home games in Melbourne and how long in the future that is, no one knows. But while we've got to play away home games, Darwin is a good option for us.

"They've embraced us pretty well and the travel and the heat in general we cope with pretty well. And we think we've got that down reasonably pat as far as our preparation and recovery.

"I don't think it's too big of an inconvenience coming up here."