Blues’ blockbuster slots

Resurgent Carlton kicks off 2020 in prime-time

CARLTON will be handed a blockbuster start to next year’s fixture with two prime-time Thursday night games in the first three rounds.

The Blues are slated to take on arch-rival Essendon on a Thursday night in Round 3 at the MCG only a fortnight after David Teague’s men open the season against Richmond in front of a full house.

The Blues are hopeful of unveiling returning club favourite Eddie Betts as well as incoming Gold Coast playmaker Jack Martin against the reigning premier in the first game of the season.

The focus on Carlton will be immense early as the revamped Blues — led by powerhouse co-captain Patrick Cripps — look to finally climb up the ladder.

Carlton’s pair of Thursday night MCG blockbusters are expected to draw big crowds and bumper television ratings to help kickstart the new season.

The high-scoring Western Bulldogs will also feature more prominently in the prime-time slots next year after it emerged the Dogs have replaced Essendon in the Good Friday clash.

The Dogs will take on North Melbourne on April 10 at Marvel Stadium, three years after Luke Beveridge’s men were dumped from the same marquee match.

The Dogs were given only one Friday night game this year but that number is on the rise — including a Round 1 Friday night game against Collingwood.

Collingwood is again expected to host Richmond in their regular Thursday night battle in Round 2. It will be the fifth time since 2013 the two sides have faced off in Round 2.

There is expected to be nine Thursday night games in total in 2020, one up on last season.

Hawthorn is expected to have more action under lights next season after president Jeff Kennett accused the league of disrespecting the club in the 2019 fixture.

The Hawks were given only one Friday night home game last season and eight Sunday games, and have asked for a more appealing timeslots in 2020.

The AFL will schedule a triple-header on ANZAC Day, which falls on a Saturday next year, including a 4.20pm twilight start for the traditional Collingwood-Essendon blockbuster.

Hawthorn will host West Coast in Launceston earlier that day, followed by another night game interstate.

Meanwhile, Geelong is set to take on premiership contenders West Coast and Greater Western Sydney among its matches against interstate clubs at GMHBA Stadium next year.