The fixture as set by the AFL for 2012 will feature a three-week bye period and the home and away seasown has been reduced by one round to accommodate new team, Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS).
Only North Melbourne, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney and Adelaide play the new franchise Giants twice in 2012.
The AFL expects the new team to take time finding form during it’s inaugural campaign and chose not to have GWS play the stronger teams twice. It is noticeable that Collingwood has been scheduled to play five interstate games and Carlton seven Friday night games.
