AFL abandons controversial Opening Round experiment after three seasons

The AFL has ended its controversial Opening Round experiment, reversing a format that league chief Andrew Dillon previously called “key” to growing Australian rules football in New South Wales and Queensland.

The 2027 season will instead open with all 18 teams playing in a traditional nine-game round. The Opening Round featured four matches in Queensland and New South Wales involving only eight clubs, creating a staggered start and early-season byes for the others.

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Dillon had defended the concept in March, saying the focus on the two northern states had increased awareness without taking away from the regular first round. The league also cited record attendances and membership growth. After feedback from fans and stakeholders, and consultations with clubs and broadcasters, the AFL chose to abandon the format.

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What we’ve found in the last couple of years is that focus on NSW and Queensland is helping to grow awareness in NSW and Queensland and at the same time it hasn’t taken away from our round one.

The change also reflects the 2027 calendar. Australia and England will play a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to mark 150 years of Test cricket, pushing the AFL season back by a week. The first round is scheduled for March 17 or 18, shortly after the Test ends.

The 24-round home-and-away season will finish on August 30. A five-week finals series will begin in early September with two wildcard finals, while the grand final is scheduled for October 2. Gather Round in South Australia will take place from April 8 to 11.

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After important feedback from fans and stakeholders, and consultation with clubs and broadcasters, round one will see the return of a traditional nine-game round played across the country.