The AFL is closing in on its unveiling of the 2022 AFL fixture, or at least the opening 15 rounds, with the new year now less than two months away.
The league is expected to reveal the opening two-thirds of the fixture in December, abolishing the recent floating fixture model that has aided the competition in recent years.
The concept for 2023 will see the AFL announce the first 15 rounds, with Round 16 onwards to be unveiled midway through next season.
With each anticipated reveal of the fixture, all eyes will be on the format of the opening round, with the last three years seeing great disparity from the norm given the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to begin last year's campaign on a Wednesday night.
The grand final 'rematch' between the Demons and the Bulldogs seemed to have more fizz than flare, potentially prompting the AFL to revert back to opening the new season with Richmond and Carlton on a Thursday night at the MCG.
With this in mind, we've looked to piece together the remaining eight games in what is a predicted Round 1 fixture for 2023.
The prediction will have a balance of logic and hope, forcing fans to accept their side may be playing interstate to open their account next year, while a number of storylines could get the league off to an exciting start.
After locking in the traditional fixture between the Tigers and Blues for another year we turn our attention to Friday night.
With Friday night lights often the pinnacle product for the fixture, we've looked to combine both intrigue and competitiveness for the match - opting for Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs.
The matchup between these two clubs has gained a new level of rivalry in recent years, culminating with their thrilling semi-final bout in 2021.
To add to the clash, Dogs star Josh Dunkley won't be given much time to breathe before going into battle against his now-former club.
Another player we're keen to see line up against their ex-side is Jason Horne-Francis, with the teenage sensation swapping North Melbourne for Port Adelaide after one season at Arden Street.
While this matchup, likely being one of two for the year, won't be held at Marvel Stadium, it will come on a Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, with Horne-Francis sure to gain a mixed welcome from Port fans and his old teammates.
The game would also have four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson start his tenure with the Roos after returning to the AFL landscape.
The other Saturday night fixture would see Geelong host St Kilda at Kardinia Park, giving the Cats the opportunity to unveil their 10th premiership flag in front of their home crowd.
That match would also see Ross Lyon officially rekindle his career as a senior coach, seeking revenge against an old rival of his.
The pair of Saturday fixtures would end the day after earlier starts between Hawthorn and Gold Coast at 1:45pm at the MCG, and Essendon and West Coast at Marvel Stadium later that day in what will be Brad Scott's first match as senior coach of the Bombers.
Moving to Sunday, the in-demand 3:20pm time slot lands with Collingwood and Melbourne at the MCG, with both clubs looking to stake their claim as premiership threats early into the new season.
Adding to the drama would be Brodie Grundy's likely first meeting with his former club after being traded from Collingwood to the Demons earlier this off-season.
A match with similar bragging rights up for grabs would take place out west later that day, with further 2022 finalists in Fremantle and Sydney also going head-to-head to begin their campaigns.
Lastly, to open Sunday's proceedings, new GWS coach Adam Kingsley and the Giants would welcome Adelaide to Blacktown, with the two sides both hoping to get their 2023 seasons off on the right foot.
Round 1, 2023 predictions
Thursday, March 16
7:30pm: Richmond v Carlton at the MCG
Friday, March 17
7:20pm: Brisbane vs Western Bulldogs at The Gabba
Saturday, March 18
1:45pm: Hawthorn vs Gold Coast at the MCG
4:35pm: Essendon vs West Coast at Marvel Stadium
7:25pm: Port Adelaide vs North Melbourne at Adelaide Oval
7:40pm: Geelong vs St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium
Sunday, March 19
1:10pm: GWS v Adelaide at GIANTS Stadium
3:20pm: Collingwood vs Melbourne at the MCG
4:10pm: Fremantle vs Sydney at Optus Stadium
*All times AEDT
