The Western Bulldogs will seek clarification from the AFL after being told they won't contest the Good Friday fixture in 2018.

The Bulldogs played in the inaugural Good Friday fixture this year in an exciting game against the Kangaroos, which drew 42,814 fans through the gates.

St Kilda will replace the Dogs, whilst North Melbourne will hold their place in the marquee event.

Bulldogs' President Peter Gordon is extremely disappointed with the decision, demanding answers from league officials.

"The club's board, and its entire staff who worked so hard on the 2017 game, were disappointed to learn that the Bulldogs would not be involved in the game next year," Gordon told the club's website.

"The board will seek a meeting with AFL commissioners to understand whether there was any shortcoming in the Bulldogs' 2017 support for or participation in the game, or any principle of competitive balance or fixturing, which provides an explanation for the AFL's decision."

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said that the AFL are likely to change the clubs involved in the Good Friday game from year-to-year over the coming seasons.

"We didn't make a commitment to lock in a game and I think it's fair to give other teams a crack at it," McLachlan said.

"I think we'll do that for a while and it may be that in a couple of years we might want to settle on two teams, but I think it's fair to swap it around."

AFL Fixture Boss Travis Auld clarified the fact that the league didn't promise either side a permanent place in the fixture, however was happy with both sides participation in 2017.

"We made it clear that we wouldn't lock in two teams and we've been true to our word there," Auld said.

"North Melbourne have ended up with the opportunity for the second year in a row...they did a really good job with it.

"The Bulldogs did as well but they've got a lot of other things in their fixture which made it difficult to get them back on Good Friday.

"So, it's a balance.

"St Kilda have been keen for some time and now they've got their opportunity. They'll need to commit to not only the game but also the broader (concept)."

The Bulldogs won the inaugural Good Friday game by three points over North Melbourne after Lindsay Thomas's shot on goal went wide as the final siren sounded.

The game supports the fundraising efforts of the Good Friday Appeal which benefits the work of the Royal Children's Hospital.