Three new Victorian teams will participate in AFL Opening Round with only Collingwood retaining their position in the event.
The concept, which began in 2024, sees Sydney, Brisbane, GWS and Gold Coast host matches on a standalone opening weekend of the season - in a bid to generate excitement in those areas.
Carlton, Melbourne and Richmond were involved in Opening Round in 2024, but have been replaced with Geelong, Hawthorn and Essendon for the 2025 version.
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Collingwood has been booked again to play GWS after that match featured in the 2024 Opening Round.
AFL Opening Round 2025
All times AEDT
Thursday, March 6
Brisbane v Geelong - Gabba - 7:50pm
Friday, March 7
- Sydney v Hawthorn - SCG - 7:40pm
Saturday, March 8
- Gold Coast v Essendon - People First Stadium - 5:15pm
Sunday, March 9
- GWS v Collingwood - Engie Stadium - 3:20pm
What the AFL said about AFL Opening Round
“After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in Round 1," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland - all four clubs saw more than 10 per cent growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17 per cent this year.
“We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and New South Wales a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to create Opening Round and we are thrilled these venues are available to us again for next year.
“Given this Opening Round weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria, it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.
“We continue to strive to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire.
“I would like to thank our venues and the clubs for supporting our Opening Round vision.”
