Looking through the draw, I wondered why the Richmond v Essendon, Dreamtime at the G match, wasn't scheduled this week. Doing a small amount of research, I discovered that it's on next week and that Indigenous Round now stretches over two rounds. Couldn't find a justification for that, but I suppose if they get a crowd next week, then the AFL will feel chuffed with their decision (even if the reasons may be entirely unrelated to coronavirus).
One game that deserves more than an empty stadium, is tonight's top of the table clash between the Demons and the Bulldogs. Personally, I really think that we're long overdue for a crackdown on illegal disposals, so, go the Demons.
The first Saturday game is Collingwood v Geelong. I guess the lockout will save many Collingwood fans the dilemma, of whether to go to the MCG, to barrack for an upset win, or whether to stay at home to dream of draft picks? Actually, I just remembered, Collingwood don't really have draft picks, do they?
The next game is Brisbane v GWS. The odds suggest that the brave GWS fans who will make the trip to the Gabba, may end up thinking that they would've preferred a lockout.
Next up is St Kilda v North. Maybe with this one, the AFL are pleased that there's a lockout. Otherwise, there may have been a soulless spectacle, in front of about 10,000 dissatisfied customers.
On Saturday night at the SCG, there's Gold Coast v Hawthorn. Not entirely sure why it's not at the originally planned Darwin venue, or for that matter, at Carrara, since Gold Coast are theoretically the home side, but I assume that it has something to do with coronavirus restrictions. Hopefully, it will have a better atmosphere than an empty stadium, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
The other Saturday night game is West Coast v Essendon. With West Coast's home form, it seems almost unfair, that this game will have a near capacity crowd.
The first Sunday game is Richmond v Adelaide, which will be played at Giants stadium. Might actually be an entertaining spectacle, for those who venture out there. Adelaide showed a lot of spirit, when upsetting Melbourne last week, while Richmond will be desperate not to slip further out of the eight. At very least, those attending will get to see the two best indigenous jumpers of the round (in my humble opinion).
At 3.20 pm, we play Carlton. It's possibly a shame that the Hawthorn match isn't a curtain raiser for this, as I think many people would've enjoyed saying goodbye to mopily departing Hawthorn fans. But anyway, many of us may be more interested in the possibility of a Buddy v Harry shootout.
The final game is Port v Fremantle. I'd like to think that Fremantle could replicate their home form, away from home, but I have absolutely no confidence.
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