Saints to host Blues in Anzac Day AFL

St Kilda will host Carlton in New Zealand next season as part of five AFL games scheduled on Anzac Day.

St Kilda will begin the AFL's 2015 Anzac Day marathon by hosting Carlton in New Zealand.

On the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign, five games have been scheduled by the AFL, including the traditional Essendon and Collingwood MCG afternoon fixture.

The move to begin a footballing feast before noon on Australia's national day of war-time commemoration initially drew criticism from veterans' groups.

However, the AFL has the blessing of the Victorian RSL to kick off the Wellington match at 1:10pm, or 11:10am (Melbourne time).

Victorian RSL president Major General David McLachlan said consultation had led to their support.

"Importantly, the scheduling means that broadcasts of the matches on ANZAC Day will not conflict with any live free-to-air televising of the capital city marches and other commemorative activities," he said.

The match will be St Kilda's third for premiership points at the Westpac Stadium, and Carlton's first trip across the Tasman.

Blues chief executive Steven Trigg and St Kilda counterpart Matt Finnis said their clubs were proud to play in the round-four marquee match.

"Anzac Day 2015 will be a significant occasion for both countries and we acknowledge the magnitude of this day as we once again bring the Australian game to our New Zealand friends," Finnis said.

The three matches that will complete the Anzac Day fixture will be revealed, along with the full 2015 schedule, next Thursday.


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