AFL fixture boss Travis Auld has estimated a monster crowd of up to 90,000 to attend the 2019 season opener between Carlton and Richmond at the MCG.
Last year’s bumper crowd of 90,151 broke the Round 1 record of 87,119 previously held by the Blues and arch rivals Collingwood in 1995.
Auld praised the two powerhouse Victorian clubs for their ability to continually attract big crowds for the traditional fixture.
“There’s no reason to say that we shouldn’t get a crowd of in that mid to high 80s towards 90,000 again,” Auld told SEN’s Time On.
“This game has averaged over 80,000 for the last five years and both clubs have done a really good job to build the season opener and they deserve that opportunity.
“We focus a lot on making sure our game is accessible for supporters.
“If you can get 80,000 people to a game each and every year, then it’s something that the fans really enjoy and it’s a great way to start our season.”
Richmond will look to make it eight consecutive wins over Carlton when they meet on March 21 to kick-start the new campaign.
