Sydney and Geelong will open the 2027 AFL season at the SCG on Wednesday 17 March, after the AFL confirmed a traditional nine-game Round 1 involving all 18 clubs. Hawthorn and three-time reigning premiers Brisbane will then meet in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG, a rematch of this year’s preliminary final.
The league released the Round 1 fixture on Tuesday, a day after it revealed the 2027 Gather Round schedule, AFL.com.au confirmed. The round will be played over five days, from Wednesday 17 March to Sunday 21 March, with games in New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.
Every club will play on the opening weekend again, with the AFL moving away from the stand-alone Opening Round it has used in recent seasons. The full 2027 fixture is due in the coming days, Essendon said.
Why the season starts later
The start is later than usual because the MCG will host the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England from 11 to 15 March. The AFL’s access to the ground begins on Friday 19 March, the night Hawthorn host Brisbane.
Fremantle host the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on the Thursday night, the second game of the season.
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New faces in new colours
Zak Butters could make his Western Bulldogs debut in that Perth game, after leaving Port Adelaide as a free agent this month. Rowan Marshall’s first game for Geelong could come in the season opener against the Swans, after the ruckman was traded from St Kilda to the Cats in the October trade period.
The MCG hosts a Saturday double-header, with Richmond taking on Carlton in the afternoon and St Kilda meeting Collingwood at night. Adelaide host Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval in the Saturday twilight slot.
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On the Sunday, North Melbourne host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium before Melbourne play Essendon at the MCG. Essendon said it is the first time the two clubs have met in a round one clash since 2005. West Coast host Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in the last game of the round.
Dillon on the return of Round 1
“We have listened to feedback and are pleased to be able to deliver a Round One for all our 18 clubs and fans as we bring back a traditional nine-game opening weekend across the country,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.
“The 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season was one to remember with some of the best footy of the modern era, which resulted in record crowd and broadcast numbers, and we are excited for what 2027 will bring.”
Four games will be shown live and free on Seven and 7plus, and all nine will be live on Kayo Sports, Foxtel and WatchAFL. Tickets will go on sale at a later date, the AFL said.
2027 AFL Round 1 fixture (local times)
Wednesday 17 March: Sydney v Geelong, SCG, 7.30pm (Seven)
Thursday 18 March: Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium, 5.10pm (Seven)
Friday 19 March: Hawthorn v Brisbane, MCG, 7.40pm (Seven)
Saturday 20 March: Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 12.35pm (Kayo)
Saturday 20 March: Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney, Adelaide Oval, 3.45pm (Kayo)
Saturday 20 March: St Kilda v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm (Kayo)
Sunday 21 March: North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm (Kayo)
Sunday 21 March: Melbourne v Essendon, MCG, 3.15pm (Seven)
Sunday 21 March: West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 3.10pm (Kayo)
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