Fremantle and West Coast both host 2027 season openers at home

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 27 Oct, 02:02 · Archive

Fremantle will host the Western Bulldogs on Thursday 18 March 2027, with West Coast playing Gold Coast the following Sunday, both in Perth.

For the first time ever, both Western Australian clubs will open their seasons at home. Fremantle will host the Western Bulldogs on Thursday 18 March at Optus Stadium, with the clash between two expected premiership contenders marking the second game of the 2027 season after Sydney and Geelong play on the Wednesday.

The 5.10pm start time is Fremantle's earliest for a non-holiday weekday game in Western Australia. Only twice in the club's history has it started earlier on a weekday in the state: a 2.10pm match on Anzac Day in 2000 and a 4.30pm game on Good Friday in 2024. All seven of Fremantle's previous Thursday night matches at Optus Stadium have started at 6.10pm.

West Coast will host Gold Coast on Sunday 21 March at 3.10pm, rounding out the opening week. This is the fifth time in seven years the Suns have been the Eagles' season opener opponent. The full round one fixture is expected to be confirmed this week.

How it is being reported

• AFL 2027 fixture: Fremantle Dockers cop rough early start time for season opener against Western BulldogsFremantle fans may face a challenge getting in their seats in time for the opening ball-up of next season, with the Dockers scheduled for their earliest-ever start to a non-holiday weekday game in WA.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 01:29
• AFL 2027 fixture: Fremantle Dockers cop rough early start time for season opener against Western BulldogsFremantle fans may face a challenge getting in their seats in time for the opening ball-up of next season, with the Dockers scheduled for their earliest-ever start to a non-holiday weekday game in WA.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 01:29
• 2027 AFL fixtures: Fremantle Dockers to host Bulldogs in season opener, with Eagles also at home in round oneFremantle and West Coast will both host season openers in WA for the first time in their history next year, with the Dockers set to earn a Thursday night blockbuster to start the new campaign.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 06:12

In this story: Fremantle Dockers · Western Bulldogs · West Coast Eagles · Gold Coast Suns · Sydney Swans · Geelong Cats · Optus Stadium · Western Australia

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