AFL to scrap Opening Round and return to traditional season start

The AFL has announced it will scrap the Opening Round experiment starting in the 2027 season, returning to a traditional nine-game first week where all 18 teams begin simultaneously. The decision follows feedback from fans, clubs, and broadcasters regarding the controversial format, which had been criticized for creating staggered starts, early-season byes, and perceived competitive advantages for teams playing earlier.

The shift is also driven by the MCG hosting a historic 150th-anniversary Ashes Test match between Australia and England from March 11–15, 2027. To accommodate this, the AFL season will begin slightly later, on March 17 or 18. Consequently, the 2027 Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, marking a rare instance where the decider is held outside of September.