Good Friday footy may finally be seen in 2017, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says.

After years of lobbying by clubs, the AFL commission paved the way back in 2014 by passing a rule that allowed Good Friday games.

And it was believed this year would be the season Good Friday fixtures would be unveiled under McLachlan, whose predecessor Andrew Demetriou was against the concept.

But McLachlan said Good Friday football did not eventuate in 2016 due to the season-opening round falling on the Easter weekend.

“We didn’t play again this year because Easter is the opening round and there’s a few games we play – Richmond-Carlton to open the season and Hawthorn-Geelong on Easter Monday,” he said.

“We’ll have a good look at that for next year.

“Given Easter doesn’t open (next season) there’ll be a better look at it.”

The AFL season starts with Thursday night’s Richmond-Carlton MCG blockbuster before first round action resumes on Saturday.

Rival the NRL has been playing Good Friday games since 1993.

This year the NRL will host two Good Friday matches – South Sydney against Bulldogs and the NRL grand final re-match between Brisbane and North Queensland.