Support for double bye and 24-round season gathers momentum One problem that has complicated previous attempts to start the AFL season earlier has been the contractual obligations to cricket at the MCG and the Gabba in Brisbane. A PUSH to introduce a 24-round season with two byes for each club next year has gained momentum, as the AFL Commission prepares to rule on its preferred fixturing option next month. The AFL asked the 18 clubs last month for feedback on a range of possible fixturing structures. It is understood the response from a number of clubs - as well as the AFL Players' Association - has been in strong support for granting each club two byes, largely because of player welfare issues. AFL general manager of broadcasting, scheduling and legal affairs, Simon Lethlean, said yesterday the league was working through the responses. But he confirmed the two-bye structure had garnered solid support. Digital tuning the key Dogs chase Tigers champion However, Lethlean stressed there were still a number of options on the table. "We have sought the views of our major partners - the players and the clubs - and we are now reviewing those responses," Lethlean said. One of the questions was about their preference for the home-and-away structure and their thoughts on a second bye. We haven't digested all their responses. We have had an initial conversation with the commission and the commission has given us the endorsement to go away and review those comments. There is certainly feedback from (some) clubs that they would like a second bye. The AFL Commission will rule on the make-up of next year's season at its meeting in mid-July, and the prospect of 24 rounds is considered a realistic option. But the AFL would have access to Etihad Stadium, Simonds Stadium in Geelong, Subiaco and the Adelaide Oval from mid-March to potentially start the season a week earlier.