THE AFL will reveal the 2018 home and away fixture on Tuesday October 31 at 9.30am AEDT.

We look at the matches your club hopes to get.

What they'll want: The Crows will once again like to host a game during the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round. Last season's runners-up will also be keen to have a significant presence at the MCG to prepare themselves for another deep run into September. Another decent helping of Friday night games and hosting North Melbourne to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its 1998 premiership will also be on the agenda.

The game the fans will be looking for: Welcome back Jake. The Crows faithful are sure to give high-profile Melbourne recruit Jake Lever a warm return to Adelaide Oval if the Demons are scheduled to play in SA. - Lee Gaskin

What they'll want: After years of battling to get prime-time games – and they can largely thank their poor record for getting so few – the Lions want more of these in 2018. Aside from the usual wish of playing big Victorian clubs at the Gabba (namely Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon, Carlton or Hawthorn), the Lions want friendly free-to-air timeslots to entice sponsors long-term. With April's Commonwealth Games affecting Brisbane's public transport system, they will need to play more away fixtures in the first month.

The game the fans will be looking for: Hosting the Hawks early in the season would be a dream result. Big-name signing Luke Hodge running out against his former club would draw a huge crowd. - Michael Whiting

What they'll want: As part of the planned celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of their ninth AFL/VFL premiership in 1968 when they defeated Essendon by three points, the Blues have asked to host the Bombers at the MCG early in the season. Carlton is keen to play a key role in Multicultural Round and has requested a slot that works for the AFL. In round one the Blues will open their season with the traditional clash against arch rival Richmond at the MCG.

The game the fans will be looking for: Any encounter with Essendon always sets the pulses racing among the Blues' faithful and next year's game celebrating the 1968 premiership will be no exception. - Howard Kotton

Carlton v Essendon is always a hair-raising clash. Picture: AFL Photos



What they'll want: The Pies' chief big-ticket items revolve around their two public holiday marquee games: the Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon and the Queen's Birthday game against Melbourne. They have asked to maintain the status quo, a formality given they have played the Bombers on each Anzac Day since 1995 and they have had a 16-year monopoly on the mid-season clash with the Demons, who for the past three seasons have supported the Big Freeze at the 'G. The Magpies have requested the same amount of lead-in days to Anzac Day as Essendon given it will fall on a Wednesday. They will also want more than the two Friday night games they were allocated this year, although four successive seasons without finals will work against them.

The game the fans will be looking for: The Magpies' clash with reigning premier Richmond will have extra spice given former Giant Adam Treloar joined the Pies at the end of 2015 because he thought they had a better list than the Tigers. 'Adsy' can expect to cop more lip than ever from Trent Cotchin & co. - Ben Collins

What they'll want: The Bombers are keen to build on their status as one of the most exciting teams in the competition to watch by playing more Friday night – and potentially Thursday night – prime time games. They had only three last season. Essendon has its suite of MCG blockbusters with the Anzac Day, Dreamtime at the 'G and Country game, but have also indicated they would like another home game at the home of footy, while the Bombers were also very pleased to win a home game in round one (against Adelaide) having it a priority request.

The game the fans will be looking for: Essendon supporters are excited by their three main recruits – Devon Smith, Jake Stringer and Adam Saad – but Stringer has them most enthused. How will he go when he faces former side the Western Bulldogs? - Callum Twomey

What they'll want: Minimising long haul travel is always a priority for the WA clubs and the Dockers have already had a win by buying an 'away' game at home against Gold Coast. Every match at the world-class Perth Stadium will be an event early next season and Freo is keen to capitalise on the incredible LED lighting by playing as many Saturday night games as possible. The Dockers didn't get to host round one to kick-off the venue, but will have home support for the first Western Derby. As few six-day breaks as possible is also on the wishlist.

The game the fans will be looking for: It goes without saying, but the first Western Derby will be massive at the new Burswood venue, and Freo fans will be desperate for the club to snap a five-game losing streak. - Travis King

What they'll want: A minimum of nine matches in Geelong, with the reluctant understanding they'll host two big ticket clubs at the MCG. Easter Monday against Hawthorn has been a thing since 2010 and it's their turn for a home game, while they've specifically requested for Carlton to face them at the Cattery for the first time since 1997. They've asked to completely avoid home games at Etihad Stadium having made financial losses twice in that situation in 2017, and are aiming for an even split of timeslots and match days for their home games after playing four under lights in Geelong this year.

The game the fans will be looking for: Gary Ablett's first game at the newly-named GMHBA Stadium. His return match will be exciting for supporters wherever it's scheduled, but his first at their home deck will whip the faithful into a frenzy. - Jennifer Phelan



Ablett's last game for the Cats in Geelong was in 2010. Picture: AFL Photos





What they'll want: The Commonwealth Games was a major reason why the Suns got their new training and administration facility last year, but it has created a huge headache for their 2018 fixture. Gold Coast has no access to Metricon Stadium for the first 10 weeks of the season, meaning the Suns had to be creative with their requests. They want a home-heavy back half of the year, with possibly seven of the final 11 games at Metricon Stadium. They will also play home matches in Cairns and at the Gabba and have sold other matches to play in Perth and Shanghai.

The game the fans will be looking for: With Gary Ablett being traded to Geelong, the fans would love to see the Cats play at Metricon. Would they boo the four-time Club Champion for requesting a trade, or give him the rousing reception he deserves? - Michael Whiting

What they'll want: The Giants got their first taste of Friday night footy this year and are keen to get more exposure on the big stage again in 2018. The match-up with the Western Bulldogs scratched the Friday night itch in round six, while the club will again be seeking a marquee fixture in Canberra next season. GWS would also be after more time at the MCG after making just one appearance at the home of footy during the regular season.

The game the fans will be looking for: Since the Giants have become finals contenders, the Sydney derby has taken on more and more significance, and next year will be no different. - Adam Curley

What they'll want: The Hawks make no secret of their ambition to smash through the 10,000-member barrier in Tasmania and again want four 'home' matches at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston. Offering something new for Tasmanian fans was important and they will achieve that when they play under lights at UTAS Stadium for the first time in round six against St Kilda. Played six of their first nine matches at the MCG last year – with two others in Launceston – and will start 2018 against a strong-supported Melbourne club for the second year in a row (Collingwood, after Essendon in 2017).

The game the fans will be looking for: The clash with former football boss Chris Fagan's Brisbane Lions and ex-captain Luke Hodge will be a bittersweet experience. Hodge could hardly have done more for the Hawks, but seeing him in rival colours will be tough for the supporters. - Marc McGowan



Luke Hodge's first game against the Hawks will be interesting. Picture: AFL Photos





What they'll want: Anzac Day eve against Richmond, despite the unusual timeslot of Tuesday night. It will be the fourth clash between the two clubs the night before the commemorative public holiday. They're expected to play another two games in the Northern Territory – one in Darwin and one in Alice Springs – as part of their agreement that expires next year, and have asked again to face Collingwood on the Queen's Birthday holiday, which for the past three years has doubled as the platform for Neale Daniher's Fight MND Big Freeze project. They had one Friday night game in 2017 and will no doubt be looking for at least the same, if not more.

The game the fans will be looking for: Their first clash with Port Adelaide, although tensions within the supporter base over Jack Watts' departure are directed at the club and not the player. Still, with the Power due to open their season at Adelaide Oval, Watts could get his first clash against his former club over and done with early, with Demons fans surely interested what his impact will be elsewhere. - Jennifer Phelan

What they'll want: The Good Friday game is the No.1 priority in the Roos' fixture, and they will expect to retain it after attracting 42,814 fans for their match against the Western Bulldogs on the religious holiday this year. They will reportedly have a new Good Friday opponent, St Kilda, and will want to pack out Etihad Stadium again despite knowing neither clash with the Saints had a crowd of 30,000 in 2017. North signed a five-year deal in 2016 to play three 'home' games a season at Hobart's Blundstone Arena through 2021.

The game the fans will be looking for: Good Friday is the obvious one. But the on-field highlight for the Kangas this year was the astonishing 10.4-to-zero first-quarter hammering of minor premier Adelaide at Hobart in round seven. The supporters will gladly welcome the Crows back there. - Marc McGowan

What they'll want: The Power have already had their most important request locked in – an 'away' game with Gold Coast in Shanghai in round nine. Also on the agenda is to host a game in Anzac Round like they have in the past few years. After returning to the finals this year, and picking up Tom Rockliff, Steven Motlop and Jack Watts during the NAB AFL Trade Period, the Power could have a case for more Friday night games.

The game the fans will be looking for: While the two Showdowns with Adelaide are always massive encounters, Power fans will also be keen for their club to gain revenge on West Coast for their epic elimination final defeat. - Lee Gaskin

What they'll want: After an extraordinary effort to win the flag, the Tigers' requests should have a bit more weight and they will likely have multiple Friday night appearaces, after none this year. They want all their home games at the MCG, rather than having one at Etihad Stadium, no back-to-back travel and to again have their three marquee games: the season opener against Carlton, Dreamtime at the G against Essendon and the Anzac Day Eve game against Melbourne, which has been confirmed by AFL.com.au.

The game the fans will be looking for: Sydney kicked eight of the last nine goals in round 13 to pinch a nine-point victory, so Richmond will want to avenge that performance. - Dinny Navaratnam



The annual Anzac Day Eve game will be on Tuesday night in 2018. Picture: AFL Photos





What they'll want: After no Friday night games in 2016, St Kilda had four this year and want to again have that sort of exposure in prime time. The Saints feel they have pulled more than their fair share with the twilight slots, so want more family friendly start times to help their supporters and members. Also, they are 0-8 at Adelaide Oval and have made the trip to the ground twice a year since 2014. Going fewer times is their preference.

The game the fans will be looking for: The Saints trounced Richmond the first time they faced the premiers this year and after losing the return clash, will be keen to see how they measure up against the reigning champs. - Dinny Navaratnam

What they'll want: Home games at the SCG on a Thursday or Friday night were a raging success this year, and the Swans want the eyes of those big television audiences on them again in 2018. Teams like Collingwood and Carlton always draw big numbers and a visit from reigning premier Richmond would also be on Sydney's wish list. The 'Pride' game against St Kilda and the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round are also important fixtures for the Swans.

The game the fans will be looking for: Hawthorn. At home or away it matters little, games between these two great rivals are must-watch and have been outstanding contests in recent years. - Adam Curley

What they'll want: Avoiding six-day breaks – especially on the back of travel – is the Eagles' main desire given the heavy burden of crossing the Nullarbor every two weeks. Early timeslots when the club does play interstate that allow the team to return home the same day are always welcome, while more appearances at bogy ground the MCG are frequently requested but the Eagles rarely get more than two games at the home of football per year.

The game the fans will be looking for: Round one. The Eagles were adamant they deserved to host the first game at the new stadium and they have been given the chance to kick-off the venue in the final game of round one against Sydney. - Travis King

What they'll want: The 2016 premiers lost some of their lustre this season when they failed to make the finals but they remain keen to play as many games as possible on Friday and Saturday nights, including some home fixtures against fellow Victorian clubs. However, given their slide it's difficult to see the Dogs being afforded their 2017 bounty of seven Friday night fixtures. They reportedly face competition to oppose North Melbourne on Good Friday, but have asked to host the clash next year as part of a long-term plan to turn it into an annual marquee fixture. The Dogs are also scheduled to play two games at Ballarat's Mars Stadium and want to be given significant time between each clash, asking to play the first in the opening six rounds and the other in the last six rounds.

The game the fans will be looking for: Emotions are likely to run high when the Dogs take on Essendon in their first clash with their former premiership forward Jake Stringer, whom the Dogs discarded at a seemingly discount rate (picks 25 and 30) after becoming fed up with the 2015 All Australian's lack of professionalism. - Ben Collins

Jake Stringer meets his new Essendon teammates. Picture: EssendonFC Twitter

