AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has defended the league’s decision to keep Opening Round in the fixture.

He’s told Ross and Russel that it helps to grow the sport in the northern states.

“The great thing is we’ve got early access to the MCG this year … we’ll have seven games in Melbourne in eight days, and it’s going to be a big start to the season,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear his take on opening round and the league’s commitment to investing in the community

Image: Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images