Former captain’s bitter return locked in as 2027 fixture revealed
Zach Merrett’s first date as a Hawk against his old side Essendon has been locked in, as the 2027 AFL fixture is revealed in full.
The league had already dropped the match-ups for round one and Gather Round, but released the rest on Thursday.
Zach Merrett in Hawthorn colours. Hawthorn
Among them are numerous juicy match-ups to look forward to, including a few bitter trade period departures returning home.
The grand final rematch is also locked in, though Wharfie Time’s return remains to be seen.
Let’s go through the eight most anticipated match-ups of the season.
Brisbane versus Fremantle
When: Round 8 – Sunday, May 9
The grand final rematch always makes the list for most anticipated fixtures, but the wild conclusion to the 2026 battle elevates this one to another level.
Fremantle were home and celebrating before the Lions flipped the script in the final four minutes.
How will the Dockers rebound from one of the most shocking capitulations the game has ever seen? We will all be watching to find out.
Hawthorn versus Essendon
When: Round 3 – Saturday, April 3
These two teams are bitter rivals no matter the additional factors surrounding it, but Zach Merrett will certainly take it to another level.
The seven-time Bombers best and fairest winner attempted to get to the Hawks in 2025, but was held to his contract by Essendon.
This time around, however, he got his wish and has joined the Hawks, becoming the first former Essendon captain to join Hawthorn. This one could get spiteful.
Look away, Port fans: Zak Butters in Western Bulldogs colours. Getty Images
Port Adelaide versus Western Bulldogs
When: Round 4, Gather Round – Sunday, April 11
The AFL loves having a main event for Gather Round, and this year it will be Zak Butters’ return to the Adelaide Oval to face Port Adelaide.
The star midfielder departed in free agency, but left on better terms than others on this list.
It will be interesting to see how fans receive him, but we know Butters himself is a fiery customer. Expect a few scraps with his ex-teammates.
Brisbane versus Collingwood
When: Round 2 –Thursday, March 25
Lachie Neale left Brisbane as a three-time premiership hero, two of those he won as captain. It’s difficult to leave on a better note.
But there was undoubtedly an element of unhappiness from the Lions surrounding how Neale handled the 2026 season and the off-field controversy that surrounded him.
He ultimately landed at Collingwood and the dynamic between the dual Brownlow Medallists and his premiership teammates will be one to watch closely.
Lachie Neale unveiled as a Magpie. Collingwood FC
Geelong versus GWS
When: Round 7 – Saturday, May 1
Toby Greene has been the face of GWS for the majority of the team’s existence, and has captained the club for multiple seasons now.
It’s difficult to know how they will respond to seeing him in blue and white hoops, as he finishes his career at Geelong.
Greene, who had more than his fair share of suspensions and fines at the Giants, might find himself going at it with former teammates.
Jarman Impey was at the centre of the biggest moment of the preliminary final. AFL Photos
Brisbane versus Hawthorn
When: Round 1 – Friday, March 19
The preliminary final battle between these two sides was quickly dubbed one of the best games of the 21st century, and for good reasons.
The Hawks ultimately lost at the buzzer, thanks to an umpiring call that awarded Hugh McCluggage a shot at goal in the final seconds.
They will undoubtedly be fired up to get back at the Lions and will feel they were robbed of a shot at a premiership. They won’t have to wait long for their shot, either.
Sydney versus North Melbourne
When: Round 8 –Saturday, May 8
Nick Blakey donning the blue and white was not on anybody’s bingo card 12 months ago, but it quickly became one of the more polarising splits of the trade period.
He and the Swans did not split on good terms and the circumstances surrounding it have left everybody involved frustrated.
Expect some spite in this one, but the Roos should also be looking to claim big scalps like Sydney in 2027 as they push to climb the ladder.
Nick and John Blakey at North Melbourne. North Melbourne
Gold Coast versus Collingwood
When: Round 15 – Saturday, June 26
Scott Pendlebury wearing red and gold will take some getting used to – actually it’s more likely we never adjust to it.
Collingwood fans will surely welcome their 400-game legend with cheers when he does face them in 2027, but if any fan base is known for booing, it’s this one.
The Suns have been desperate for a stabilising, veteran force on the field and Pendlebury could be the man to help lead them on and off the field.
