# AFL 2027 scheduling announcements > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-2027-scheduling-announcements > Updated: 2026-10-25T22:46:03.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. The Australian Football League (AFL) has released key scheduling details for its 2027 season in South Australia. The league confirmed the return of State of Origin football, with South Australia scheduled to face Western Australia at Optus Stadium on February 27, 2027. This match marks South Australia’s first State of Origin appearance since 1999. The 2027 Premiership Season is set to commence on Wednesday, March 17, with the Sydney Swans hosting the Geelong Cats at the SCG. The opening round will return to a traditional nine-game format featuring all 18 clubs. Due to the MCG hosting the 150th anniversary Test match between Australia and England, the venue will not host AFL matches until Friday, March 19. Key opening fixtures include a Friday night match between Hawthorn and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, a Saturday double-header of Richmond against Carlton and St Kilda against Collingwood, and a Sunday conclusion featuring Melbourne against Essendon at the MCG and the Gold Coast Suns playing the West Coast Eagles in Perth. Additionally, the AFL announced the 2027 Gather Round, which will take place from April 8 to April 11 across Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval, and Barossa Park. The event will feature nine matches and include a new inaugural Players Parade on Friday, April 9, featuring stars from all 18 clubs. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: AFL announces 2027 season opening fixture and Gather Round schedule The AFL has released its 2027 season opening fixture, returning to a nine-game round, alongside details for the 2027 Gather Round in South Australia. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-announces-2027-gather-round-fixture-in-south-australia ### 2026-10-21: AFL schedules South Australia State of Origin return for 2027 The AFL has confirmed South Australia will face Western Australia in a State of Origin match at Optus Stadium on 27 February 2027, marking the state's first appearance in the format since 1999. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-schedules-south-australia-state-of-origin-return-for-2027 --- Cite as: AFL 2027 scheduling announcements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-2027-scheduling-announcements