Blues lose big game but AFL denies snub

THE AFL insists the decision to change the combatants in the opening round of the 2019 AFLW season is about celebrating Geelong’s debut rather than Carlton getting punted.

Geelong and Collingwood will kick off the third season of AFLW next year on February 2 at Kardinia Park — the first time the Blues have not featured in the season opener.

Carlton and Collingwood have attracted bumper Round 1 crowds of almost 25,000 and 20,000 in the first two years, but the AFL has opted to showcase the Cats’ league debut in Round 1.

The Blues struggled in the second season of AFLW before claiming the wooden spoon.

AFL head of women’s foot- ball Nicole Livingstone said giving Geelong the Round 1 slot was about celebrating the expansion clubs in the league.

“Our focus in year three is to make sure we do celebrate new milestones and one of those new milestones are our two new clubs,” Livingstone said. “For those that are concerned Carlton and Collingwood won’t meet, they do meet, just a little later in the season.’’

The fixture announcement came as the AFL unveiled details of its new conference system. The Bulldogs, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Kangaroos will play in conference A, while the Lions, GWS Giants, Magpies, Blues and Cats will play in conference B.

The teams were placed into conferences based on their 2018 finishing positions, with the Roos and Cats randomly allocated.