Opening Round is officially back for the 2025 season, with the AFL confirming the finer details of its return next year.
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Premiers Brisbane will clash with preliminary final opponents Geelong in the season opener at the Gabba on a Thursday night, with both sides playing an MCG epic in late September that saw the Lions win by 10 points.
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On Friday night, grand finalists Sydney will host 2024 risers Hawthorn, who are set to unveil new recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle in the brown and gold for the first time playing for premiership points.
On Saturday evening, Gold Coast will welcome Essendon up to People First Stadium for a 4:15pm clash local time — with the Suns knocking off the Bombers twice this year; one of those which was after the siren.
There will be no Saturday night fixture, with Sunday afternoon’s match between modern day rivals GWS and Collingwood at Engie Stadium rounding out the first weekend of football in 2025; much like the maiden rendition.
In a league statement, Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said that Opening Round’s success earlier this year was — unsurprisingly — the reason for its return.
“After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum (of Opening Round) in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in Round One,” Dillon revealed.
“Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland – all four Clubs saw more than 10 per cent growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17 per cent this year.
“We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and New South Wales a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to create Opening Round and we are thrilled these venues are available to us again for next year.
“Given this Opening Round weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria, it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.”
In a win for traditionalists, Richmond and Carlton will continue their usual rivalry to kick off Round 1 the following Thursday night.
The return of Opening Round means that the eight teams partaking in the weekend will have one bye between rounds one and four, with all clubs to have played the same number of game heading into Round 5.
OPENING ROUND FIXTURE
Thursday 6 March, 6:50pm: Brisbane vs. Geelong at The Gabba
Friday 7 March, 7:40pm: Sydney vs. Hawthorn at the SCG
Saturday 8 March, 4:15pm: Gold Coast vs. Essendon at People First Stadium
Sunday 9 March, 3:20pm: GWS vs. Collingwood at ENGIE Stadium