The road map for 2017 is set in stone.
This is how Collingwood’s 2017 campaign is set to roll out.
And these are the key fixtures to lock away in your calendar.
The season opener
Omens, anyone?
Collingwood will open the new season with a match against the Western Bulldogs under the MCG lights on a Friday night on 24 March.
The last time the Magpies met the Dogs in the first round of the season?
2010.
For the record, it was a 36-point win to Collingwood (19 goals to 13 in a shootout under the Etihad roof). Alan Didak and Paul Medhurst kicked four goals each while Heritier Lumumba polled three Brownlow votes.
A special day
For the 23rd time in as many years, Collingwood will meet Essendon on ANZAC Day.
In 2017, ANZAC Day falls on a Tuesday.
It’s only the third time it has done so since 1995, and the first time since 2006.
A 125th birthday bash
The AFL has granted Collingwood its wish to celebrate its 125th anniversary with a match against the old foe.
The Magpies will meet Carlton in a home match at the traditional time of 2.10pn at the MCG in round six.
Stay tuned for the celebrations.
Hit the road
Collingwood has five interstate trips planned for 2017, including two games in Sydney in the opening eight rounds.
Round 3
Sydney v Collingwood
Friday 7 April
SCG, 7.50pm
Round 8
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood
Saturday 13 May
Spotless Stadium, 4.35pm
Round 11
Fremantle v Collingwood
Sunday 4 June
Domain Stadium, 2.40pm
Round 17
Gold Coast v Collingwood
Saturday 15 July
Metricon Stadium, 4.35pm
Round 21
Port Adelaide v Collingwood
Sunday 13 August
Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm
Bye-by-bye
Mow the lawns.
Go on a holiday.
Watch the local footy.
See the family.
Round 13 is the week to catch up on life away from football. We’ve got our bye scheduled that weekend.
Turn on the TV
Can’t get to the ‘G?
Don’t fear: All 22 home and away games will be broadcast live around the country.
Twelve games will be produced and broadcast by Channel Seven, while Fox Footy will be in control of the remaining nine matches.
Under one roof
As in 2016, the Magpies will play just three games at Etihad Stadium next year.
Two day games are scheduled against St Kilda and West Coast, while the Kangaroos will play host under lights in round 20.
The matches against St Kilda and West Coast are Collingwood home games. The Pies will meet the Saints on Easter Sunday – the club’s first match at the venue on that afternoon since 2013.
Coming back for more
Collingwood will meet the following teams twice in season 2017:
- Geelong (rounds six and 22)
- Hawthorn (rounds nine and 15)
- Essendon (rounds five and 16)
- Melbourne (rounds 12 and 23)
- Port Adelaide (rounds 14 and 21)
Of the above sides, only Geelong and Hawthorn featured in the 2016 finals series.
One day only
Remarkably, Collingwood and Carlton will only meet once in 2017.
It marks only the second time this has happened since 1966 (it last occurred in 1991).
Fortunately, the Magpies will meet Essendon a second time in 2017. The two clubs played only once in 2016 for the first time since 1991.
An oddity
In round 10, Collingwood is scheduled to meet Brisbane during an afternoon game in Melbourne for the first time since the 2003 Grand Final.
