AFL boss backs finals fixturing despite club frustrations

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has backed the work of his fixturing team following the confirmation of the 2024 Finals Series schedule.

Port Adelaide and Geelong will begin week one of September on Thursday night at Adelaide Oval, which will be followed by Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn 24 hours later at the MCG.

A double-header lies on Saturday, with Sydney hosting GWS at the SCG in the afternoon as the Lions face Carlton at the Gabba later in the evening.

However, according to multiple reports, both the Bulldogs and Swans had reservations about their finals fixture, making requests to the league.

Following the release of the finals schedule, the Dogs were left disappointed, given that their AFLW side is booked on the same evening.

SEE MORE: The HISTORY between the 2024 AFL finalists

For what will be a momentous occasion for the Western Bulldogs at its ancestral home, the re-opening of the redeveloped Whitten Oval will play host to the women's match, leaving fans to make the dreadful choice between the two.

The Western Bulldogs lobbied hard privately and were disappointed to get the Friday night final. It clashes with their first AFLW home match at Whitten Oval.

Sydney wanted the Friday night timeslot, but got the Saturday afternoon. @FootyonNine https://t.co/cCjuTBlEsC

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) August 25, 2024

As for the Swans, they lobbied hard for the Friday night primetime slot, but were ultimately rejected.

Dillon defended the decision on Fox Footy's AFL 360.

“I've spoken to most of the clubs today and I don't think anyone's disappointed to be in finals,” Dillon said.

“Our fixturing team do an incredible job and the way that round 24 landed, you couldn't have scripted it. The team take into account attendance, broadcast, days breaks, what weeks two and three are going to look like and ultimately, we consult with the clubs and the venues.

“When we get to Friday week and we have close to 90,000 people at the MCG we'll know that that was the right fit,” Dillon said.

“Clubs have a view of what's best but when it's all said and done, they're really happy to be there.”

MORE HERE: AFL Finals Week One fixture confirmed

It comes as queries over the competition's equalisation matters rear its ugly head over home ground advantage.

Despite the likelihood of exceeding 51,000 fans for Friday's elimination final between the Bulldogs and Hawks, the MCG provides no discernible advantage for the Dogs, albeit finishing higher on the ladder.

Same will go for Geelong, who are "increasingly resigned" to playing home finals at the MCG and not the redeveloped GMHBA Stadium, despite earning the upper-hand.