AFL set to scrap traditional season fixture in latest overhaul
The AFL is set to move away from its traditional round one season opening game in 2027, with Carlton versus Richmond set to be bumped to a lesser timeslot.
This is despite the last four meetings between the two teams drawing more than 74,000 at the MCG and all being decided by less than two goals.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon in Sydney for Opening Round. via Getty Images
Carlton versus Richmond has been used as the Thursday night opener for round once almost every year since 2008.
The majority of those games have seen one of the teams enter as heavy favourites, but they have generally all been close finishes for one reason or another.
Among them, 2023’s draw and Richmond’s stunning upset in 2025 stand out.
Even as the AFL has tried other gimmicks like Opening Round, split rounds or Wednesday night openers, the Blues and Tigers have generally still met on the Thursday night of round one, in front of a packed MCG.
However, multiple reports on Friday suggest the league will instead move it to a Saturday or Sunday afternoon slot.
A grand final rematch between Brisbane and Fremantle has been floated as a potential replacement.
The AFL is set to start the 2027 season a week later than usual, given the MCG will be unavailable due to the 150th anniversary Test match between Australia and England, which finishes March 15. The 2026 season commenced on March 5.
Round one is expected to begin on March 18, though a return to a Wednesday night start on March 17 has also been floated.
The league has scrapped its controversial Opening Round after three seasons of poor reviews. New CEO Andrew Dillon spearheaded the idea, which saw the season launched with just four games, played across New South Wales and Queensland.
Instead, they will return to opening the season with all 18 teams playing.
Carlton v Richmond has been a round one almost annually since 2008. Getty
The staggered start to the season, additional bye-rounds it created and the shunning of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia was largely negatively received.
Dillon blamed the Centenary Test for Opening Round's death, however.
The AFL recently revealed 2027's State of Origin match between Western Australia and South Australia will take place on February 27, two weeks later than the 2026 version.
