AFL fixture boss Travis Auld says the league is hoping to strike a balance between attendance, TV audiences, day breaks and quality of matches for the much-talked about Thursday night schedule.
As expected, the Thursday night time slot features prominently in 2019, with eight games to be played in that time next season, including five straight to begin the campaign.
Auld sees value in Thursday nights, if the league correctly weighs up all the commercial elements and convenience for fans.
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“For Thursday night matches, it is important to find balance, take into account the ability for families and regional fans to attend games, days breaks for the competing teams and the right match-ups at the right venues,” Auld said.
“We understand the need for strong Thursday and Friday night games to maximise attendance and TV audiences and build momentum into each round.
“In scheduling these games we continue to prioritise attendance.”
Auld also added clubs being open to five-day breaks enabled the AFL greater flexibility in scheduling marquee match-ups on Thursday and Friday nights.
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