2013 club-by-club fixture preview

Jimmy Bartel's Cats will enjoy a cushy back-end to the season once the Skilled Stadium upgrade is complete. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: HWT Image Library

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard must wait until Round 4 to come up against his old side. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

A mountain of hype is already surrounding Mick Malthouse's showdown with Collingwood in Round 2. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next three days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we add Geelong, Gold Coast and GWS to the list now including half the clubs.

Tomorrow, we preview Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Melbourne.

ADELAIDE:

EASY GAMES:
Seven of Adelaide's away games are against non-finalists, giving the Crows a dream chance to push for another top-four finish. And expect Brenton Sanderson's mob to fire early. They don't meet a 2012 finalist until Round 6 (Hawthorn), and play just one 2012 contender in the first eight weeks. Adelaide also has no return matches against top-four sides.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Crows host grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney at AAMI Stadium. Pencil those in as eight-point games, while a trip to the Gabba to face the Lions in Round 2 – a fixture the Crows threw away last season with a sloppy loss – could also prove pivotal.

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth is never easy, especially in the back half of the season. Rounds 18 and 23 the Crows head west, ending their home-and-away campaign against West Coat. Ouch. Trips to the MCG to face Carlton and Collingwood could shape as finals barometers.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Crows will avoid a home-and-away bout with Kurt Tippett, so you can't go past the two showdowns against Port Adelaide.

SUMMARY:
Two Friday night blockbusters, including the season-opener, is a big win commercially. And it seems on the field the Crows have again hit the jackpot. Three MCG games will help come September, while the platform is there early to again

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Essendon (AAMI)
Round 2 v Brisbane Lions (G)
Round 3 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Western Bulldogs (AAMI)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Crows chairman Rob Chapman has vowed Adelaide will be a big player in the free agent market next year. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

EASY GAMES:
The Lions will back themselves to take six wins from six games against the Dogs, Dees and Suns. A stretch of late-season games against the Suns, Roos, Dees, Port, Saints, Tigers, Giants and Dogs will define whether Brisbane is a legitimate finals contender. Only four six-day breaks is an added bonus and should keep Michael Voss's side fresh.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Home games against sides in the bracket one up from Brisbane will prove pivotal. The Lions host North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda and must start winning those encounters to take the next step.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Fremantle in Perth, Geelong in Geelong andSydney at the SCG. The Lions also travel to Tasmania to face Hawthorn and host West Coast and Collingwood at the Gabba. But, Brisbane did knock off the Eagles at home last year and will take confidence from that.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing stands out, but Stefan Martin and Brent Moloney will enjoy their former Dees teammates heading up to the Gabba to square-off in Round 5. The Q-Clashes should step up a gear if Gold Coast can become competitive more often than not.

SUMMARY:
A blow to the old Fitzroy fans with just four games in Melbourne and one in Geelong. Particularly when the Lions requested six games in Melbourne. But a clutch of games against lowly sides and a soft run to the line will please Voss.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 2 v Adelaide (G)
Round 3 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 4 v North Melbourne (ES)

Sunday Mail - Lions v Suns AFL at the Gabba Photo - David Kapernick Picture: David Kapernick Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON:

EASY GAMES:
The Blues cashed in seven of their first eight games in Melbourne, although there are some tough opponents in there. Collingwood is the sole 2012 finalist the Blues face twice, while they have doubled-up against Port Adelaide. Carlton also finishes with the Power, Dogs and Suns inside the final six rounds. Here's hoping the late-season trip to Metricon Stadium goes better than last year.

Bold 2013 predictions: Saints to slide, Tigers to rise and a surprise Blues skipper

CRUNCH GAMES:
Plenty, starting with Richmond in Round 1. In fact, the opening five weeks will set the tone for Carlton's debut year under Mick Malthouse. It reads; Tigers, Pies, Cats, Eagles (away), Crows. If the Blues can scramble to a 3-2 start you'd think they'd take it. Duels with Brisbane away and the Richmond-Essendon double late in the year should also help define Carlton's year.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Eagles away in the first month is the first real litmus test for Carlton. A three-game stretch of Hawthorn, Sydney away and Collingwood will also test just how far the new Blues have come.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Round 2. Mick Malthouse v Collingwood. Is there a game the football world is more eagerly anticipating than that? She'll be an absolute corker in front of a packed MCG but, strangely, during the Sunday twilight slot. Imagine Mick walking off a winner and screaming out "we're the old, dark navy Blues" against the side he steered to five Grand Finals and a breakthrough flag? Bring it on.

SUMMARY:
A challenging month early, but as the Blues said when the fixture came out, you may as well get them out of the road early. The Blues kept their 9-8 split of games between Etihad Stadium and the MCG, but will be disappointed the first Mick v Collingwood blockbuster is an away fixture. An even mix with the majority of games against sides in the middle tier.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 2 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 3 v Geelong (ES)
Round 4 v West Coast (PS)

Carlton Training Mick Malthouse lays down the law Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD:

EASY GAMES:
A four-round midseason stretch against the Lions, Dees, Dogs and Power (with a bye tossed in the middle) should give some June relief for Magpie fans. The Pies travel just five times, and three of those are against bottom-eight sides. And their first road trip isn't until Round 7, when they head west to take on the Dockers.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Geelong, West Coast and Sydney all at the MCG will be huge. Throw in the four combined bouts against Carlton and Essendon and those are the games that will make or break Nathan Buckley's side.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Magpies must face the two sides who combined for a one-two knockout punch of the Pies last September twice – Hawthorn and Sydney. That hurts. Should we pencil in Sam Mitchell for six Brownlow votes now? Meanwhile the trip to Patersons to face Fremantle will also be a big test. Six six-day breaks aren't ideal, while the Pies will have just five days off before Anzac Day.
 
ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Again, can't go past the showdown with Mick Malthouse. The Round 2 blockbuster will have the eyes of the football world watching on as the one-time Collingwood hero tries to plot its downfall from the cockpit of its greatest rival. This will be huge, and, for once, edges Anzac Day as the most eagerly-awaited Magpie match.

SUMMARY:
"Balanced" was the word chief executive Gary Pert used when the draw came out and it's hard to argue with. Seven Friday night matches is a typical commercial boom, while the Pies will own a lot of Sunday football this year as the AFL tries to ramp up interest after a swathe of uncompetitive and poorly attended matches to end rounds in 2012.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v North Melbourne (ES)
Round 2 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 3 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Round 4 v Richmond (MCG)

Collingwood players listen to instructions during their pre-season training session. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON:

EASY GAMES:
Only the Giants twice of last year's bottom four in a bit of a blow. But a trio of matches against Port Adelaide, GWS and the Dogs from Rounds 15-17 should provide some late-season wins, a rarity for the Dons in recent years.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts Round 1 with a stand-alone trip to face Adelaide. Geelong in Round 7 will also be a big test, while the Bombers' final three games could prove their most defining. They end with North Melbourne, Carlton and Richmond – three sides who punters think will be fighting for a lower-rung finish in the eight, much like Essendon.

TOUGH GAMES:
Take your pick. Two trips to Perth, Collingwood twice and a duel with premier Sydney at the SCG. The Dons also face West Coast twice, while six six-day breaks will put pressure on "The Weapon" to get the Bombers match-fit.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Lock in Round 4 v St Kilda. The Brendon Goddard match. The Dons pinched the Saints' marquee man in the first major free agency coup and you can expect a bit of spite in this one, at least from over the fence. The Round 11 match against Carlton – marking Essendon's 140th anniversary – will also be one with a big build up.

SUMMARY:
Plenty of tough encounters but a good test for Bombers, who are ready to take the next step, at least according to the punters. Should find the 13 wins needed for finals action if they're good enough.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 2 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 3 v Fremantle (PS)
Round 4 v St Kilda (ES)

Essendon legend James Hird can see change for the better on the horizon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dockers host the Dogs, Tigers, Dees, Lions, Roos, Saints, Giants and Power. Hard to see any of those sides heading west and collecting the points. Then when you factor in road trips against lowly sides such as Melbourne, the Suns, Dogs and Saints (who the Dockers beat last year) it makes for a cushy ride. Expect Fremantle to peak midseason. Following the Round 11 bye it plays five of its next six games at home.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Round 1 v West Coast. The stand-alone derby will be a ripper, while the Round 7 duel with Collingwood at home will also help shape the Dockers' year. Away ventures to meet middle-rung sides like Richmond (Round 17) and Carlton (Round 19) will also be big.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Perth clubs hate the long trip to Tasmania, and that's exactly what Fremantle has copped in Round 4 against Hawthorn. Must also travel to Geelong and to the SCG to face Sydney. Hard to see many wins there.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Round 1 derby – a home game for Fremantle – will be a monster clash. These sides hate each other and it'll be great for the entire football world to tune in and see it with no other matches that day. You can bet the coach has also earmarked the two matches against St Kilda as ones he desperately wants to win.

SUMMARY:
A big win off the field with a pair of home Friday night bashes early. The travel schedule isn't ideal but the first four home games, against the Eagles, Dons, Tigers and Magpies should generate a mountain of hype. If the Dockers can continue their momentum from the tail of 2012 they'll be exciting to track on the big stage.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v West Coast (PS)
Round 2 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 3 v Essendon (PS)
Round 4 v Hawthorn (AS)

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked six goals in the elimination final win over Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG:

EASY GAMES:
A cushy back-end to the season should give the Cats a nice launching pad for September, should they once again feature. Seven of their final 13 matches are at Simonds Stadium, while they face Port Adelaide, Gold Coast and GWS leading into the bye. If Geelong can break even in the first eight rounds you suspect they're going to again be in the thick of it at the pointy end.

CRUNCH GAMES:
You'd regard two matches against Hawthorn as 'tough games' for all clubs – except Geelong. Can the Kennett curse continue? Another pair of wins against Alastair Clarkson's mob would give the Cats a big lift. Sydney at Simonds Stadium also looms as a big encounter, while Corey Enright and Paul Chapman will (barring injury) play their 250th matches in consecutive weeks against the Tigers and Bombers.

TOUGH GAMES:
West Coast in Perth in Round 21 shapes as a tough ask, and Chris Scott can expect another hostile reception after his words on the Eagles' fans last year. The trip to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium also looks tough after the walloping the Crows dished out in the corresponding fixture last year. The Cats must also play off three consecutive six-day breaks leading into their Round 4 duel with Sydney at the SCG. That makes for a testing start to the campaign.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Finally welcoming Gazza back to Simonds Stadium in the ground's maiden night match should excite the Cats fans – Ablett missed Gold Coast's first visit to Simonds Stadium with injury. It will also be Josh Caddy's first showdown with his old Suns mates. You also get the feeling the Cats will be eager to host Fremantle in Round 14 and atone for last year's finals meltdown.

SUMMARY:
The unavailability of Simonds Stadium for the first nine rounds makes for a tricky start, but just six road trips and four of the final six games at home evens it up nicely. The Cats are pleased, and the ability to play night games at an upgraded Skilled Stadium has the club and community excited.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Round 2 v North Melbourne (ES)
Round 3 v Carlton (ES)
Round 4 v Sydney (SCG)

Cats Open Training Session. sprints: Joel Selwood and Paul Chapman Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: HWT Image Library

GOLD COAST:

EASY GAMES:
The Suns have doubled up against 2012 stragglers Melbourne, Port Adelaide and GWS and host the Western Bulldogs at Metricon. If they take the leap forward they internally expect to, they could match their club history of six wins in that block alone. The Suns have also drawn just two six-day breaks – the least in the competition. Nice.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two Q-Clashes should take a step up in competitiveness and stature this season, while there will finally be pressure on the Suns to convert their home matches into wins. The Suns host seven non-finalists at Metricon Stadium this year and will be hell-bent on winning the majority. Gary Ablett is 18 games from notching his 250th and, if he stays fit, it could be against Carlton at Metricon – a ground holding plenty of nightmares for the Blues.

TOUGH GAMES:
Those outside Carrara headquarters could confidently pencil in losses against the Swans at the SCG, Hawthorn at the MCG, Geelong in Geelong and West Coast in Perth. Still,

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Suns should have a point to prove in Round 5, when they head to Canberra to take on GWS. They were embarrassed last year, becoming the first side to go down to GWS and will be desperate to atone.

SUMMARY:
A dream draw, particularly early, when the Suns face just one finalist away in the first eight rounds. It looks among the easiest in the competition on paper, but things can change quickly once the first ball is bounced.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v St Kilda (MS)
Round 2 v Sydney (SCG)
Round 3 v Brisbane Lions (MS)
Round 4 v Port Adelaide (MS)

Gold Coast Suns continue there training at Metricon Stadium, Carrara ahead of next season - Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara Picture: David Clark Source: HWT Image Library

GWS:

EASY GAMES:
Put simply; none. But a cluster of winnable games for the baby Giants, which effectively boasts 25 first-round picks on their list.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two duels with the Suns will be hotly contested, while the Giants will also fancy themselves against Port Adelaide twice (the side they beat to end Matthew Primus's coaching career) and the Dogs in Canberra.

TOUGH GAMES:
Take your pick. The ones which could get ugliest are the bout with Collingwood at the MCG, the trip to Tasmania to face the merciless Hawks and heading north to play Brisbane Lions late in the season as the young GWS outfit begins to tire, and the week after facing Fremantle in Perth.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Sheeds will drum up the Round 1 duel with Sydney with his marketing prowess, but the date with Gold Coast in Round 5 will be far more telling. GWS took the points in Canberra last year and would love to repeat the result. The Round 4 game against Melbourne at the MCG will give Dees fans another chance to dangle money bags at Tom Scully.

SUMMARY:
A nice fixture for most clubs, playing the Suns, Port and Dees twice each. The Swans are the only finalist the Giants face twice – and that's because they have to. Five games in Melbourne is a step up, while the spotlight will shine in Round 18 when GWS faces Collingwood under lights at the G. GWS finished 2012 with a percentage of 46 – a big test will be to see if they can lift that to around 60 this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Sydney (ANZ)
Round 2 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 3 v St Kilda (MO)
Round 4 v Melbourne (MCG)

AFL - GWS Giants training at Lakeside oval. Kevin Sheedy with his new draft picks Aidan Corr, Kristian Jaksch, Jono O'Rourk, Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman and James Stewart. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: HWT Image Library

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