Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch: "At first glance the fixture looks quite challenging, with return games against three of last year’s top-five teams. But, to be honest, we won’t shy away from the challenge because if we’re going to improve, we need to be able to compete against these top sides."
Collingwood CEO Gary Pert: "The fixture is good from an on-field perspective but in many ways not ideal commercially, with a number of our home games not scheduled in prime time. As a club we are comfortable with that as we work with the AFL on our role to be spreading the commercial benefits of the fixture as part of the equalisation strategy. Many clubs request to play us as the home team and our drawing power is being used to the best benefit of the game’s broadcasters and stadiums. If there was one disappointment in the fixture, it is that nine of our matches will not be shown on free-to-air television. Collingwood has the biggest supporter base in the country, with many of those members and fans not having access to pay television. We hope that one day all of Collingwood’s games will be broadcast free-to-air to allow all of our supporters to see their team every week. That said, weighing up all of the ingredients that go into our fixture, we feel we have received a well balanced hand."
MORE: AFL 2014 fixture released | Magnificent seven: Best 2014 AFL games
Essendon Interim CEO Ray Gunston: "It provides the club with some great opportunities from a football and commercial perspective and rewards our fans with a balanced mix of blockbuster games, interstate travel and free-to-air TV coverage. We were the most-watched club in season 2013 and we feel six Friday night and six Saturday night games, as well as 15 guaranteed free-to-air TV games is fantastic recognition of the teams exciting brand of football and the strong support we receive across the country. Overall the club feels it has received a fair and reasonable draw and we look forward to kick-starting the 2014 campaign against the Kangaroos."
Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich: "We are really pleased that for the first time - in what will be our 20th year in the AFL - to have the opportunity to launch the AFL's 2014 season in a standalone Friday night clash with Collingwood. On balance, and given the challenge the AFL faces in meeting the competing demands of all 18 clubs, we believe Fremantle’s 2014 fixture is fair reflection of our improved on-field performance and our appeal with TV audiences, which is highlighted by three Friday night blockbusters, a string of Saturday night and twilight games plus one of only six Thursday night games."
Geelong CEO Brian Cook: "Overall we are pleased with the fixture, and I think that our members and supporters will be happy with it too. We have a good mix with our home games, have been treated fairly with interstate games and also a good balance of playing Victorian and interstate teams at Simonds Stadium. As always, we have a number of blockbuster games, and with 16 games in Victoria our supporters have many great opportunities to see us in action. Ideally we wanted an eighth home game at Simonds Stadium, but with the AFL's commitment to Etihad Stadium reducing significantly after next season, we have full confidence that extra games will be scheduled at our home in 2015."
GWS CEO David Matthews: "This is a very exciting fixture for Giants and AFL fans in Sydney who will have the chance to see the Giants play against some of the biggest clubs in the competition. We also have a good spread of time slots for families with a mix of Saturday afternoon, twilight, Saturday night and Sunday matches at Giants Stadium."
Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas: "We are pleased to have a fair portion of our home games scheduled at night. We will play three Saturday night games, two Saturday twilight games and the one Friday night game. If were playing a good brand of footy we would like to think people will come and watch us in any timeslot. But from our member feedback it is easier for our people to get to games when we are playing in the late afternoon or evening."
St Kilda CEO Michael Nettlefold : "To open the season with two home games, as well as nine of our first 11 games in Melbourne is fantastic for our Victorian members. With our Anzac Day clash against Brisbane falling on a Friday night, it is both a prime TV time slot, and a great opportunity for fans to attend the game and enjoy some wonderful Wellington hospitality over a long weekend."
Sydney acting CEO Dean Moore: "With seven of our 11 home games against last season’s top-eight teams, the fixture certainly provides some challenges from a football perspective but it is a great opportunity for our members, supporters and corporate partners to watch the Swans taking on the best teams in the big games. With blockbuster matches scheduled in prime-time slots at both the recently redeveloped SCG, and ANZ Stadium, the best place to be next season will be watching the Swans live in the grandstand."
Western Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick: "In summary, while the football component of the fixture has been progressed in terms of starting to maximise competition, we believe more needs to be done in regards to providing improved fixture outcomes for smaller clubs in relation to revenue opportunities and exposure. To this effect, most key drivers of growth are in the hands of the AFL and we look forward to continuing to work with them and other stakeholders in the spirit of equalisation to maximise exposure and revenue opportunities going forward. Opportunities including returning all our home games to Victoria, a potential home game at Simonds Stadium and securing a marquee match - notably Good Friday from 2015, remain priorities for the Western Bulldogs. We appreciate the AFL's engagement with the club in relation to the fixture and efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the competition next year."
MORE: Adelaide | Brisbane | Carlton | Collingwood | Essendon | Fremantle | Geelong | Gold Coast | GWS | Hawthorn | Melbourne | North Melbourne | Port Adelaide | Richmond | St Kilda | Sydney | West Coast | Western Bulldogs