Lyon's blunt defence of Opening Round amid backlash

Despite receiving backlash, the AFL's new Opening Round has been backed by Melbourne champion Garry Lyon.

The round, which will see eight of the league's 18 sides play against each other in NSW or Queensland, is a new initiative that will see the season begin a week earlier than usual, on Thursday, March 7.

The competition's official round one will then start the following week with the traditional Carlton vs Richmond fixture at the MCG on Thursday, March 14, and will include a full round of nine matches.

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However, the round has been met with disappointment from supporters, with AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko explaining how it is simply disliked.

https://twitter.com/AFL/status/1724525577464619470

"What the fans are saying is: 'We don't like it'," Issko said in November.

Despite the mixed reviews, Lyon has sung the round's praises, endorsing the idea of keeping the league national.

"They've (the NRL) said if you want to bugger off to Vegas and leave your markets open, we'll go and schedule two games a weekend in Sydney and Brisbane," Lyon said on SEN.

"I think it's fantastic. I think it's a great idea.

"The last I looked at my (media) accreditation it said AFL (not VFL)."

New AFL CEO Andrew Dillon explained the thinking behind the round, which will forecast byes for the eight competing teams scheduled between rounds two and six of the 2024 season.

"We are driven to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering, and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire," Dillon said in November.

"There's a lot of people behind the scenes who helped bring this concept to life and I would like to thank our venues and the clubs for sharing in our Opening Round vision."

Sydney will host Melbourne on the Thursday at the SCG, before the Blues face the Lions on the Friday night.

Then, Gold Coast hosts Richmond, while GWS faces Collingwood on Saturday.