The 2025 AFL season will begin on March 6 with Opening Round set to make a return, meaning the season will once begin again northern states, the AFL announced on Tuesday.
Premiers Brisbane will host Geelong in a rematch of 2024's thrilling prelim, with the Lions to unveil their premiership flag in front of a packed Gabba crowd.
The round will continue in Sydney on Friday night, with the Swans to host the exciting Hawks, while on Saturday afternoon, the Suns clash with the Bombers on the Gold Coast. On Sunday, the GWS Giants will host Collingwood.
In a statement released on Tuesday, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the league was keen to build on the success of last year's 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," he said.
"Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland - all four Clubs saw more than 10% growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17% this year."
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The announcement comes after the AFL revealed the fixtures for Gather Round, set to be in Round 5 in South Australia once again.
Two matches have been scheduled to be played in the Barossa Valley as part of the 2025 edition of the round.
Opening Round (times local):
Thursday, March 6:
Brisbane vs. Geelong, The Gabba, 6:50pm
Friday, March 7:
Sydney vs. Hawthorn, SCG, 7:40pm
Saturday, March 8:
Gold Coast vs. Essendon, People First Stadium, 4:15pm
Sunday, March 9:
GWS vs. Collingwood, Engie Stadium, 3:20pm
Gather Round (times ACST):
Thursday, April 10:
Adelaide vs. Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 7:10pm
Friday, April 11:
Collingwood vs. Sydney, Adelaide Oval, 7:10pm
Saturday, April 12:
North Melbourne vs. Gold Coast, Barossa Park, 12:05pm
Carlton vs. West Coast, Adelaide Oval, 12:50pm
Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane, Norwood Oval, 3:45pm
Melbourne vs. Essendon, Adelaide Oval, 7:05pm
Sunday, April 13:
Richmond vs. Fremantle, Barossa Park, 12:05pm
St Kilda vs. GWS, Norwood Oval, 2:50pm
Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 6:50pm