IN DEFENDING the unequal fixture that has become more problematic this year, the AFL has said that a fairer draw would mean sacrificing blockbusters, state derbies and other games that fans and clubs clearly want.

The AFL's chief operating officer, Gillon McLachlan, acknowledged there were ''softer'' and ''tougher'' draws, despite the league's attempts to give each club an equal chance to compete for the premiership, but the twice annual clashes between Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon, state derbies and Geelong-Hawthorn were matches that were strongly supported by clubs and fans.

Should Carlton v Collingwood automatically get two games per season? Credit:Getty Images

Responding to discussion of the draw's inequities, which was prompted by Hawthorn's comments on the compromised fixture, McLachlan said the AFL might consider whether all these twice annual games should be played twice.

''If you actually ask the club, 'OK, do you not want to play Hawthorn-Geelong on Easter Monday'? I can guarantee you they will,'' said McLachlan, who is responsible for the fixture and broadcast arrangements.