AFL’s opening round to return in 2025 with Victorian twist to finish the round

The AFL has made it clear to clubs Opening Round is likely to make a return in 2025. But, writes JON RALPH, it will have a twist to appease Victorian fans.

Giants fans during the AFL Opening Round match between the GWS Giants and Collingwood Magpies at Engie Stadium, Sydney on March 9, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only – Phil Hillyard **NO ON SALES** – ©Phil Hillyard )

The AFL made clear to club officials on Monday it was likely to reprise its opening round in the northern states next March as Sydney said it was open to the weekend finishing with an all Victorian-clash.

The AFL met with its club presidents for 45 minutes as part of its Brownlow Medal commission meeting, with an update on club funding and the league’s budgets in coming years.

There is still no official decision on opening round for 2025 but Dillon told club presidents the initiative – featuring four games in NSW and Queensland – had been a roaring success.

He said on every metric Sydney, Gold Coast, GWS Giants and Brisbane Lions had prospered because of the earlier start to the year and stand-alone games.

He said all four clubs had recorded growth in attendances, memberships and TV figures as the league kicked off its season away from its heartland.

And while Victorian fans complained about the delayed start to the year, in the official round 1 featuring nine games the AFL broke its all-time attendance record, luring 413,000 fans.

Sydney president Andrew Pridham said on Monday there was no doubt the round would go ahead. But he is open to a round that finishes with two marquee Victorian teams playing at the MCG on Sunday to ensure the heartland gets a taste of the action.

“I think it’s locked in. But there is room for improvement and tinkering,” he said.

“Whether there is a game in Melbourne on the Sunday, for example. I have no issue with that. It’s been a great success. It’s helped drive viewers and membership in NSW and Queensland. I think it makes sense. I have no issue with it.”