It is unclear when the Clarkson-led North Melbourne will square off against Hawthorn for the first time next year in a game that will be keenly anticipated after his messy exit from the Hawks – a club he coached to four premierships. The two teams met in round one of the 2022 campaign.
It is not uncommon for the league to use such a rivalry to drum up attendances in round one,as seen by the move to pit St Kilda against Fremantle in coach Ross Lyon’s second stint as Saints coach.
But sources with knowledge of the matter say the AFL is keen not to be seen to exploit the delicate situation surrounding Clarkson,who is taking part in an investigation into the affair. Clarkson has denied any wrongdoing over racism claims against the Hawks from 2008-16.
The timing of the round-one fixture release was met with derision on social media by sports fans who believed the league was being petty for attempting to divert attention from the World Cup. But the AFL had intended to announce it before the Socceroos had progressed to the round of 16.
Soccer fans were riled in July when Manchester United star Marcus Rashford was pictured holding a Sherrin at a promotional appearance before the club’s two games in Melbourne.
Details of the so-called magic round are expected to come out on Tuesday,and a full fixture to be released later in the week,possibly on Thursday.
As reported last month byThe Age,there will be no grand final rematch to start the new season next year. In 2022,the league had trialled a season opener featuring grand finalists of the previous season when Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs played on the Wednesday night at the MCG.