PROS: Seven Friday night games and one Thursday night fixture gives the premiers more exposure, and another big season will certainly help them capitalise.

CONS: Play four of last year's finals teams twice, fly to Perth twice in their first eight games, and will have eight six-day breaks to deal with throughout the year.

PLAY TWICE: Brisbane Lions, Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne, Sydney Swans, West Coast

BYE: Round 11

FIRST FOUR WEEKS: Collingwood (a), Sydney Swans (h), Fremantle (a), North Melbourne (a)

LAST FOUR WEEKS: Brisbane Lions (a), Greater Western Sydney (h), Port Adelaide (h), Hawthorn (a)

SIX-DAY BREAKS: Eight

THEY SAY: "There are many positives in the 2017 fixture particularly for our fans, members and sponsors with the additional Friday night games and the opportunities for greater exposure to a broader audience during the home and away season for our football team,” Bulldogs chief executive Gary Kent said. "In 2017 we will play in Ballarat, we return to Cairns for the fourth consecutive year, feature on Good Friday and will play in more Friday night games in a season (seven), than we have previously. We believe it provides our members and fans with some attractive games to attend, and also some great exposure for our sponsors in those prime time slots."

WE SAY: A return to primetime footy is a huge vote of confidence for the Dogs, especially given they'll pioneer the first ever game on Good Friday with the Kangaroos. A double road trip to Domain Stadium early in the season will be a tester, but four of their last five games are in Victoria. Former Magpie Travis Cloke meets Collingwood in a Friday night MCG clash in round one. - Adam Curley