The AFL says its fixturing of Sunday night games, criticised by fans for not being in family-friendly timeslots, is a trial for TV networks.

Traditional rivals Carlton and Essendon clash at the MCG on Sunday at 7.10pm in a controversial piece of round three scheduling from the league.

Victoria’s school holidays start this weekend, so children won’t have to attend school on Monday.

“Our last three Sunday night games are before public holidays or school holidays,” AFL chief Andrew Demetriou told Radio 3AW on Friday.

“We’re trialling it to see if there’s any support for it as we go into the next broadcast rights agreement.

“It’ll be interesting to see if people do show up.”

North Melbourne will host Richmond on Sunday night on June 8 at Etihad Stadium, on the eve of a public holiday.

Fans have also been vocal regarding the price of food and drink at venues.

“They’re certainly controlled by third parties. (It) is an imposition on families,” Demetriou said.

“The price of food and beverage, the price of car parking on game day, absolutely, things like ticketing charges.

“And that’s all the more reason why we want to own our own stadium, to control those prices. They are a severe imposition on families when you add those things.”

Demetriou says league officials are having ongoing dialogue with Etihad Stadium about an early purchase of the venue by the AFL, but no significant progress has yet been made.

The league is contracted to take over ownership of the venue in 2025.

“Food and beverage prices at Etihad Stadium are comparable with prices at all other AFL venues around Australia,” Etihad Stadium spokesman Bill Lane told theage.com.au.

“We are one of a small number of stadia in the world with a fully secured underground car park enabling fans to take a lift to their seat, but you pay for that privilege.

“By far the bulk of patrons who come to Etihad Stadium do so through public transport.”