The team at AFL Media have had their say on the 2018 AFL Fixture.

PROS: In the first five weeks, the SUNS will line up against the other four teams from last season's bottom five – that's more than a sporting chance. If they can navigate the first half of the season, seven of the final 12 games are at Metricon Stadium, including successive matches against big-drawing Collingwood, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond.

CONS: Nine matches on the road to start Stuart Dew's time in charge is brutal, including 'home' games in Cairns, Perth, Brisbane and Shanghai. Rack up those frequent flyer points, boys.

PLAY TWICE: North Melbourne, Carlton, Brisbane Lions, Melbourne, Geelong.

BYE: Round 10

FIRST FOUR WEEKS: North Melbourne (h), Carlton (a), Fremantle (h), West Coast (a).

LAST FOUR WEEKS: Melbourne (a), Richmond (h), Brisbane Lions (h), Geelong (a).

SIX-DAY BREAKS: Three

FIRST GAME AT METRICON STADIUM: Round 11, and it's a beauty against Gary Ablett and the Cats.

THEY SAY: "We couldn't be happier to see six big Victorian clubs come to Metricon Stadium in 2018. Despite an interrupted start to the season due to the Commonwealth Games, we are thrilled to be hosting the calibre of teams we are at Metricon Stadium in the second half of the season. Our first game back at Metricon Stadium in round 11 against Geelong will be a huge welcome home party, and the fixture builds from there." CEO Mark Evans

WE SAY: With Metricon Stadium unavailable for the first 10 weeks due to the Commonwealth Games, this was always going to be a tricky draw, but the Suns have done well. Some winnable games early and back-to-back weeks in Perth along with a couple of games in Brisbane will at least mitigate against the number of flights. Welcoming Gary Ablett back in round 11 is a game for SUNS fans to circle.