The AFL informed clubs a Good Friday opener next year is “unlikely”, despite the league’s commission signing off on the controversial concept in June this year.
The 2015 fixture is promised to be better designed for fans but will start later than usual due to the cricket world cup. The final of the cricket showcase will be played at the MCG on March 29th with Good Friday falling on April 3rd.
North Melbourne has been advocating for a match on the Christian holiday since 1992 and would like a fixture against Carlton with all proceeds going to the Royal Children’s Hospital, which is located just minutes away from both team’s training grounds.
The AFL Commission agreed to Good Friday football at a meeting two months ago, after the departure of former chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou, who was strongly against it.
Simon Lethlean the AFL’s GM of Broadcasting said the late start to the 2015 season and the simplification of the fixture to appease supporters were the reasons Good Friday football would be put on hold, but it’s still a possibility for the seasons to come.
“If it doesn’t go ahead next year, it will remain on our agenda for 2016 and beyond given the Commission has approved scheduling a game on Good Friday,” Lethlean said.
It is understood the AFL is intending to bring back the season-opener of Richmond versus Carlton on Thursday night instead.
The AFL informed club CEO's on Thursday, the 2015 season will begin on April 2nd with the Grand Final on October 3rd.
