A more balanced, family-friendly schedule is a key hallmark of Carlton Football Club’s 2017 fixture. 

The Blues will once again open the 2017 AFL season in the traditional blockbuster clash with Richmond on Thursday 23 March at the MCG. 

Following the AFL’s official unveiling of the 2017 fixture on Thursday morning, CEO Steven Trigg said the scheduling provided a positive platform for Blues supporters. 

“We are mostly satisfied with our fixture for 2017, and believe it is fair and reasonable,” Trigg said.

“From our members' point of view, we believe they will be happy with an increase in the traditional slots across Saturday afternoon and Saturday night games. Pleasingly, we have 10 matches at the MCG in 2017, with six of those being home games. Additionally, the Saturday night games provide some balance.  

“Our broad supporter base, extending to young families, will also welcome the increase in afternoon matches. We will ensure we continue our family-friendly, match-day activations to further encourage supporters of all ages to get to the games.  

“However, our draw does again present some commercial challenges for the football club, including a lack of Friday night timeslots and no scheduled home game against Collingwood." 

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Of Carlton’s 16 matches in Victoria, 11 are home games with six to be played at the MCG and five at Etihad Stadium. 

The Blues will face Richmond, Melbourne, Essendon, Gold Coast Suns and Sydney on two occasions next year.  

Carlton will play six interstate games in 2017, travelling to Adelaide, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane, as well as Perth twice. For the first time since 2014, Carlton will play in South Australia.

“It is a chance to visit our South Australian supporters for the first time in nearly three years. We have a large supporter base there, so it will be a great opportunity to reconnect with our members across the border,” Trigg said.  

“Our West Australian supporters are also key beneficiaries of this fixture, with two games scheduled at Domain Stadium next year. We receive fantastic support from Carlton fans wherever we play across the country. 

“Overall this is a positive fixture that our members and supporters can be pleased with.”

CARLTON'S 2017 FIXTURE: