AFL announces 37 kick-to-kick sessions nationwide for season 2023

The league has revealed its decision on whether to allow fans on to the ground after the final siren.

The time-honoured tradition of kick-to-kick on AFL grounds after matches will bounce back after being sidelined in Melbourne during the pandemic.

With just three days until AFL action makes its long awaited return for season 2023, fans are set to pack Victorian stadiums to celebrate our great game.

And from next weekend, kids will be allowed back onto the ground after the final siren in Melbourne, as part of 37 kick-to-kick sessions nationwide to be announced by the AFL on Monday.

The Herald Sun can reveal children will be allowed on the ground for a post-match kick at 11 AFL matches in Melbourne and Geelong in the first 16 rounds of the season.

Fans enjoy a kick of the footy on the MCG.

And more are expected when the AFL’s floating fixture for the pointy end of the season is finalised later this year.

AFL executive Kylie Rogers said it would give fans a chance to connect with our great game.

“It will provide fans young and old with a unique opportunity to experience our game on the hallowed turf at venues across the country,” Ms Rogers said.

“There’s nothing better than running out onto the field and having a kick to kick with your friends and family, so I’d encourage all fans to get involved … and create your own memorable footy moments.’’

There will be four kick-to-kick sessions after matches at the MCG – starting next Saturday for Collingwood’s afternoon clash with Port Adelaide – and three on Sundays.

AFL fans can enjoy kick-to-kick on the ground at select AFL games.

Geelong fans be allowed onto GMHBA Stadium for kick-to-kick after two Sunday matches.

And all five Marvel Stadium kick-to-kick experiences will follow Sunday matches, including Essendon’s round four clash against GWS and Carlton’s Round 6 match against St Kilda.

Fans Association president Ron Issko said the return of kick-to-kick was a “fantastic decision” by the AFL, with supporters keen to keep the tradition alive.

“Kick-to-kick after the game on the ground is a tradition that should always be kept,’’ he said.

“Kids and adults will love it.

“It’s the best thing for fans to run on the ground after the final siren. Fans will be saying thank you to the AFL.”

It comes as a ticket rush is this week expected as fans show their true colours in Melbourne.

More than 85,000 fans at tipped to pack the MCG for Richmond and Carlton’s traditional season opener on Thursday night, with general admission tickets to the clash already sold out.

About 80,000 fans are expected to see reigning premier Geelong take on Collingwood on Friday, with retired Cats skipper Joel Selwood leading a march to the G before doing a lap of honour.

And with arch rivals Essendon and Hawthorn as well as Melbourne and Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne taking on West Coast in Melbourne, huge round one crowds are set to welcome footy back in style.

Lord Mayor and passionate Pies fan Sally Capp said the return of footy would boost the bottom line of city businesses as well as state spirits and people returned to the stands and bars, cafes and restaurants en masse.

“I can’t wait. I’m so excited,’’ she said.

“And I even got my Collingwood jumper out this morning ready for Friday night at the G.

“Football is synonymous with Melbourne and it really signals again so many things that we love about our life here in Melbourne that we can really enjoy again.

Cr Capp said Melbourne had its “groove back”.

“The vibe is here – that sense of marvellous Melbourne,’’ she said.

More than 6.5 million fans have enjoyed the treasured post-match ritual of kicking a footy on AFL venues around Australia since the tradition was brought back in 2014.