In formulating the 2014 fixture, the AFL used the 2013 final ladder positions to group teams into three categories - the top six teams, middle six teams and bottom six teams.
As a top six side in 2013, Fremantle were given double meetings in 2014 with fellow top six sides Hawthorn and Geelong. The club also faces away games against 2013 finalists Collingwood, Sydney, Richmond and Port Adelaide.
Rosich said senior coach Ross Lyon and his players were firm believers in an ‘anywhere, anytime’ mantra and looked forward to the challenges ahead.
“The AFL sought to equalise the fixture that little bit more in season 2014 with the revised format for who you play twice, and as we finished second on the ladder, we’re scheduled to play more top six teams,” he said.
“That presents it’s challenges, but that’s part and parcel of playing in a Grand Final the previous year and one that Ross Lyon and our players welcome.”
Fremantle plays three Friday night blockbusters as well as a number of five Saturday night and eight twilight matches, and even a Thursday night game.
Rosich said it was pleasing to have the club involved in a number of marquee timeslots.
“These are all games that will be eagerly anticipated by people to watch, either live at Patersons Stadium or at the alternate venues, and also will secure significant television audiences,” the CEO said.
Rosich said there would be strong interest in Freo’s games at Patersons Stadium in the club’s 20th season, with a number of big games scheduled at the venue.
“The fact that we have so many eagerly anticipated games at home will mean that support will be strong and it will be even more incentive to retain your seat in 2014,” he said.
“Home games against Essendon, Hawthorn, Carlton, West Coast, to name a few, are ones that, no doubt, our members will be keen to get to.”
A home game in the final round could prove important if the club is in a position to play finals again. In 2013, Freo travelled back-to back in round 23 and the following week in the first final.
“Last year we played that fixture away and that presented some challenges in preparing for finals,” Rosich said.
“This year we’re scheduled at home, so if we’re lucky enough and good enough to play finals, that will assist.”
