Andrew Dillon talks Opening Round hype, AFL’s momentum ahead of season opener

Opening Round is upon us, but the excitement for round 1 is stronger than ever according to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, as the AFL continues its push into the northern states of Australia.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 06: Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL speaks with media during the Sydney Opening Round Media Opportunity at Circular Quay on March 06, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The AFL is confident its Opening Round experiment will deliver bumper growth in the northern markets on top of a potential record round 1 crowd back in footy’s heartland next weekend.

The league was hopeful all four games in Sydney and Queensland would be a sell-out after a deliberate attempt to start the new season with blockbuster matches involving some of the game’s top rivalries.

And club memberships are at unprecedented levels for March with more than one million already purchased by footy fans.

At the AFL’s season launch in Sydney on Wednesday night, CEO Andrew Dillon said the game was in top shape following on from one of the most exciting finals series in recent history.

Dillon said the Opening Round trial in the northern states could be here to stay but was adamant it would not detract from the interest or hype in footy when it returns to Victoria for round 1.

“Round 1 – not this Opening Round but the next one for those just joining us – is on track for potentially the biggest attended round ever in the history of our game,” Dillon said.

“And we have matches in two months’ time that are sold out already.

“The momentum is real. It is strong. And it is growing.”

Andrew Dillon at the AFL’s Opening Round launch. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

And for all the controversial incidents, such as Jimmy Webster’s seven-match suspension and the ongoing concussion crisis, Dillon said it was clear footy was still an enormous passion for Australians.

“Footy shapes us,” Dillon said.

“Our love of our club is integral to who we are.

“It connects us to family, friends and workmates,

“It dictates our week.

“It’s the group chat talking about form or injuries.”

The league took an interest in the NRL’s trip to Las Vegas last weekend and will consider other international ventures.

AFL chairman Richard Goyder presented Collingwood president Jeff Browne with last year’s premiership flag and praised the club’s engagement with its fan base.

“Not only did you win the flag – but the way you won it – and the connection you demonstrated with the Collingwood army of fans – was something that should also be applauded,” Goyder said.

“We know how much fans love their clubs. We saw you openly demonstrate how much you love your fans.”