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http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/g ... 97598.html
A BLOCKBUSTER grudge match between traditional rivals Carlton and Richmond has emerged as the most likely clash for the new Good Friday twilight time slot that appears likely to join the AFL's schedule next year.
The big-drawing clubs have long been searching for an appropriate day to establish a blockbuster and the AFL is understood to be amenable to the idea of launching into the once sacrosanct time slot with a match that could best capitalise on the public holiday with a big crowd.
The most recent push to play on Good Friday was put to the AFL by Carlton and Hawthorn, but it is understood a renewed proposal by Richmond that has met Carlton's approval may have overtaken the Hawks' involvement.
Despite finishing this season as the two bottom sides, Carlton and Richmond have often drawn large crowds and both clubs believe they could stage a match that could generate an enormous following. The AFL Commission is still yet to consider the first and most important decision of whether to agree to playing football on the one day of the football year it has traditionally avoided.
But AFL executive Gillon McLachlan, who is in charge of the draw, has stated his preference to begin playing on Good Friday and he is understood to have the support of commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick.
Should the commission agree to play on the religious holiday, it would almost certainly involve Carlton. As the renewed push to play on Good Friday had come from Carlton, it is understood the league would be persuaded by Carlton's choice of opponent. The Age understands it is Carlton's preference to play Richmond.
The AFL, which has just completed its first draft of the draw for next year, is understood to have pencilled in the pair for Good Friday pending the commission's approval.
The scheduling plans will begin in earnest for next year once the grand final is completed. A grand final rematch between Geelong and Port Adelaide will likely feature in round one, which next year falls on the Easter weekend.
"We have to get over the line of playing on Good Friday yet before we worry about which teams would play," McLachlan said of the possible Blues-Tigers clash.
"I can confirm that Richmond has put in a proposal as well and I can confirm they propose to play Carlton, but it is premature to say which teams would play on that day as yet."
Hawthorn would be expected to be extremely unhappy should the AFL choose to schedule Richmond for the match against Carlton.
The game would likely be linked with the Royal Children's Hospital appeal.
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