Carlton has been handed another blockbuster clash in 2023, with reports the Blues will open the AFL’s new ‘Gather Round’ in South Australia.
7NEWS’ Tom Browne says the Blues and Crows will play the first match of Round 5 on the Thursday night – April 13 – at Adelaide Oval.
The decision means there will be no Gather Round Showdown as some punters had hoped.
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The Demons got a 14-point win over Port Adelaide in their clash at Traeger Park in 2022, and will look to emulate their winning run at the ground against the Giants.
It’s one of three games announced for the Northern Territory next season.
The Gold Coast Suns will take back-to-back matches to Darwin’s TIO Stadium – first facing the Western Bulldogs on May 27 as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, before playing Adelaide a week later on June 3.
It’s the first time in a decade that the Bulldogs will have played in Darwin – with only four players from that last match in 2013 still on the list.
“It was a fantastic experience getting back to Darwin in 2022 for the first time in two years and I know our players, coaches and staff will be circling these matches in the calendar again in 2023,” Suns chief executive Mark Evans said.
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“With eight players with links to the Northern Territory now on our AFL list and an ever-growing number of players from the region coming through our development pathways, two matches at TIO Stadium provides the opportunity for young Territorians to aspire to follow in their footsteps.
“With our playing squad to remain in Darwin in-between fixtures, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to engage with the local community away from the football field as well.”
St Kilda also revealed they’ll host Essendon in Round 3 at the MCG as part of the Saints’ celebration of the club’s 150 years.
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“This celebratory game in Round 3 will be an opportunity for everyone, whether you’ve been a fan for one year or fifty years, to come together, celebrate and cheer on the tri-colours in the passionate manner Saints fans are known for,” Saints CEO Simon Lethlean said.
The St Kilda-Essendon clash will be played at the MCG on April 1.
