COLLINGWOOD expects the 2015 fixture to provide its supporters with a bumper start to next season as the AFL moves to address concerns the Magpies had with this season's schedule.
The Magpies had a soft opening to 2014 playing Fremantle at Etihad Stadium in round one before facing the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium in round two.
Those two games drew 69,918 spectators combined to rank in Collingwood's bottom 10 drawing games for the season and set the season off on the wrong foot.
It looks set to record its third lowest home and away attendance figure since it left Victoria Park behind in 2000.
Results played a part but so did a fixture that had the Pies playing a Sunday night game against Carlton and five twilight games.
Five of their seven highest drawing games were away games and they have either played outside Victoria or on a Sunday since round 14.
Despite the drop off in crowds at Collingwood games in 2014 it remained the biggest drawing club in the competition this season.
CEO Gary Pert said he has noticed a distinct change in approach by the AFL as it plans the fixture for 2015.
"This year we're in a much better communication process with the AFL as to what they are thinking and planning," Pert told AFL.com.au. "[Its planning] is reflective of the commitment the AFL have to invest back to the supporters and the big games and the crowds and that is something we would support."
There has been speculation Carlton will play the Pies in round five when Blues coach – and Magpies premiership coach Mick Malthouse – breaks Collingwood legend Jock McHale's coaching record of 714 games.
The Magpies will also play Essendon on Anzac Day early in the season, because the start of the 2015 season is delayed until April due to the cricket World Cup.
Those games will be away games for Collingwood with the Magpies hoping to also have big drawing home games in the first month.
During the recent CEO's meeting representatives of all clubs discussed ways to connect better with fans and improve the experience of attending football matches.
AFL.com.au understands the idea of giving Victorian clubs more control over ticketing was also floated with clubs asked to consider how to improve the system for supporters.
Collingwood remains an outside chance to play finals, needing to defeat second-placed Hawthorn on Friday night for the chance to leapfrog Richmond into eighth spot.
However it is more likely to miss out on the finals for the first time since 2005.
The Magpies held their Collingwood Forever evening on Wednesday night paying homage to past greats and have pledged to hold a members' forum post-season to discuss on and off-field issues arising in 2014.
It anticipates holding the forum next Monday if the Magpies lose on Friday night.
Meanwhile, international recruit Mason Cox – recruited from Oklahoma State University – started at the club on Monday, with the 211cm 23-year-old taking his first step towards forging a career with Collingwood.
