AFL confirms timetable for rescheduled Opening Round fixtures

The AFL is entering uncharted territory with its time slot for one of the two postponed Opening Round matches.

Gold Coast is “satisfied” with the rescheduling of Opening Round. Picture: Mark Stewart

Gold Coast and Essendon declared the move of their postponed opening round game to the end of the season was “the best option available” as the AFL confirmed new dates for the two games cancelled in Queensland due to Cyclone Alfred.

Both Brisbane-Geelong and Gold Coast-Essendon clashes were moved from Queensland this week due to Cyclone Alfred’s impact on the state.

The Bombers and Suns clash has been shifted to Round 24 but will be played in the pre-finals bye slot as both teams already have a game set for that round.

“We are appreciative of the AFL’s efforts to move quickly to reschedule our match and provide certainty for our members and fans,” Suns CEO Mark Evans said.

“We are satisfied this arrangement is the most reasonable outcome given the circumstances, and could very well provide fans from teams across the competition with one of the great grandstand finishes to a season.

“As for this weekend, the health and safety of our community is the number one priority right now and we urge everyone to follow the recommended advice to stay safe from Cyclone Alfred.”

Gold Coast is “satisfied” with the rescheduling of Opening Round. Picture: Mark Stewart

Essendon was pleased the AFL left its mid-season bye untouched.

“We stand with the AFL in prioritising the health and safety of the Queensland and New South Wales communities,” Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said.

“The Club has worked closely with the AFL over the past few days on a number of different rescheduling options and we are confident that this outcome is the best option available for our players and Club, given the very unique circumstances that have arisen.

“It was extremely important to our players and staff that the midseason bye was preserved and we are pleased that the AFL have respected this request.

“We will continue to work with the AFL on the scheduling of our Rounds 17-24 matches to prioritise the very best outcome for our players and the wider Club.”

Brisbane and Geelong, which was set to open the season on Thursday, has been moved to Round 3 where both teams originally shared a bye round.

The game will be played at the GABBA in the Saturday night time slot.

The Lions play Round 2 at home the previous Sunday while the Cats play St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on the Saturday night.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the league focused on leaving as little disturbance to the fixture as possible.

“When looking at the rescheduling of these matches we had a focus on having the least amount of disruption on the competition, ensuring that all clubs still have a mid-season bye and managing travel arrangements across the season – particularly for the four impacted clubs,” he said.

“I would like to thank our clubs, broadcasters and venues for their cooperation during this unprecedented situation and our thoughts remain with our staff, players, fans and all those in southeast Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted.”