Tigers, Pies headline short pre-season series

A BUMPER Richmond v Collingwood clash will headline a revamped pre-season competition early next month.

The reigning premier Tigers will take on Nathan Buckley’s Magpies at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, March 5, in what will be one of three games in five days at the indoor venue.

The contest could see Jordan De Goey trial in a more permanent onball role against the Tigers’ triple-premiership star Dustin Martin.

The AFL was forced to revise the AAMI Community Series this year due to border restrictions and the need to reduce the amount of interstate travel.

Teams will now play only one formal pre-season match and one informal scratch match before Round 1.

Carlton and St Kilda will open the AAMI Community Series

on Thursday, March 4 at Marvel Stadium to kickstart a huge year for the Blues after seven seasons out of the eight.

On March 6, Hawthorn and North Melbourne will clash in Launceston, Geelong host Essendon at GMHBA Stadium and Fremantle host Adelaide.

On Sunday, March 7, Sydney will play Gold Coast at Giants Stadium, GWS clash with Brisbane Lions at Manuka Oval in Canberra, and West Coast take on Port Adelaide at Perth’s Leederville Oval.

Adam Treloar will step out in Western Bulldogs colours when they meet Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Monday, March 8.

Clubs are happy the competition has been downsized from two formal games to one, meaning there will be less interstate movement in the lead-up to the regular season. The AAMI Community Series will be broadcast live on Fox Footy.