Pert responds to the fixture
Gary Pert, Collingwood's Chief Executive Officer, is pleased the club's members and fans have been considered a high priority in the AFL's 2015 fixture.
“We’re happy with the 2015 fixture and pleased that our members and fans have been considered a high priority,” Pert said.
“From an on-field perspective, it is a return to the blockbuster games against many of our traditional rivals at the MCG in prime time. This is exactly what our supporters asked for and we have been working towards with the AFL.
View Collingwood's complete home and away fixture for season 2015.
“Collingwood fans will be delighted to see two matches against Carlton, Essendon, Richmond, Geelong and Melbourne in prime time, Friday night encounters with Hawthorn and Sydney and Thursday night matches against Fremantle and Port Adelaide.
“Our match against Essendon in round four will once again be the centerpiece of ANZAC Day. We will continue the tradition of playing Melbourne on Queen’s Birthday Monday.
“Our supporters will have great access to their team even if they can’t attend matches, as we return in a big way to free-to-air television next year.
“While Collingwood matches will be shown every week on pay-TV, 15 of our matches will be shown on free-to-air, with the possibility strong of our round 23 match against Essendon at the MCG also being shown free-to-air.
“Again, this is something our members and fans have asked for and we welcome.“In all, we play eight matches on Saturdays and a further six on Friday nights. It is exciting to be a part of the continuing Thursday night football experiment.
“It is also pleasing to be playing Brisbane at the Gabba over the Easter break in the opening round of the season, a date that will excite our large supporter base in Queensland but help as many of our fans as possible to travel to the match.
“Collingwood’s 2015 fixture is well balanced, with our drawing power being used to the best benefit of the game’s major stakeholders; the fans, the broadcasters and stadiums.”