The possibility of starting the 2022 AFL season on a Wednesday night has been backed by North Melbourne champion David King.
The Herald Sun understands the AFL is weighing up whether to start the season with a Melbourne-Western Bulldogs Grand Final rematch or the tradition season opener between Carlton and Richmond.
A break of fixture tradition would allow the AFL to schedule three standalone blockbusters to start the 2022 season on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.
King would like to see a Grand Final rematch open every new season.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from SEN. Sign up HERE.
“Love it. The more exposure you can give the game to the fans, get as many eyeballs as you can on the game,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“It’s a fantastic time of the year when footy is about to start, the build up is always huge, you want your team to be playing first.
“The earlier the better, the Wednesday is a great idea.
“I think a Grand Final rematch is a great way to start every year. Unfurl the flag at the first opportunity every year.”
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy has also backed the prospect of three Round 1 blockbusters to start the 2022 season.
“I hope they do it. I think the more blockbuster games we can have the better for everybody,” Healy told Sportsday.
“We haven’t had crowds at the MCG for a long time. So a Wednesday night opener, you have a huge game.
“It’s a standalone game – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.”
The Blues and Tigers have played each other in season opener since 2007.