AFL returns to traditional 18-team opening round for 2027

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

The AFL will launch the 2027 season with all 18 teams playing in opening round on March 17.

The 2027 AFL season will launch with all 18 teams competing in opening round, starting on Wednesday, March 17. The season will begin away from the MCG to allow ground staff more time after the Anniversary Test cricket match between Australia and England, which runs from March 11 to 15.

The opening round features several high-profile fixtures. Fremantle will host the Western Bulldogs in Perth on Thursday before Hawthorn plays Brisbane at the MCG on Friday, a rematch of their preliminary final. A double-header will follow on Saturday at the MCG, with Carlton versus Richmond and Collingwood against St Kilda. West Coast Eagles will play Gold Coast Suns to close the round.

Four Sydney Swans players—Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon—could play their first game in the season opener against Geelong at the SCG after serving suspensions for breaching club standards while staying at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne in August. The four, along with North Melbourne's Nick Blakey, missed September's campaign. Blakey will make his first appearance for North Melbourne against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the return to a nine-game opening weekend reflected listening to fan feedback and delivering 'a round 1 for all our 18 clubs and fans'.

AFL returns to traditional 18-team opening round for 2027 — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

AFL brings back traditional 18-team opening round for 2027 seasonAfter sitting out September through suspension, Sydney’s now infamous Pullman group could play a part in the 2027 season opener.The West Australian · 27 Oct, 03:34
AFL brings back traditional 18-team opening round for 2027 seasonAfter sitting out September through suspension, Sydney’s now infamous Pullman group could play a part in the 2027 season opener.Perth Now · 27 Oct, 03:34

In this story: Sydney Swans · Geelong · Hawthorn · Brisbane · Fremantle · Western Bulldogs · North Melbourne · Isaac Heeney

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