Collingwood coach Craig McRae has backed Opening Round, a day after his great mate Michael Voss slammed the polarising concept that kicks off the AFL season.
For the second year in a row, the Magpies will head to Engie Stadium to face GWS to begin their home-and-away campaign.
Only two games will take place this weekend after Brisbane Lions' clash with Geelong and Gold Coast's match against Essendon were postponed due to Cyclone Alfred.
The AFL has been desperate to align the start to the season and ensure the NSW and Queensland clubs get underway at a similar time to their NRL counterparts.
Carlton coach Voss, who captained McRae during the Lions' premiership three-peat, suggested on Thursday the AFL season should start with games in every state rather than just in NSW and Queensland.
"I love Vossy but I don't always have to agree with him," McRae said on Friday.
"Any time we can promote the game in the northern states is a good thing, the right balance of that I am not sure.
"Whether it's a couple of teams or all of them, I will let others decide that.
"Having lived in the northern states, it's very different to here.
"Trust me, there's not as many cameras up there right now as there is here.
"Any promotion of the game in the northern states is good, especially right now with what's going on (Cyclone Alfred) up there."
Before taking questions, McRae, unprompted, sent his love and support to communities affected by the looming wild weather.
When releasing the fixture for this season last October, the AFL committed to staging Opening Round in its current format for years to come.
