# AFL competition and scheduling changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afl-competition-and-scheduling-changes
> Updated: 2026-09-08T07:02:07.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The AFL is implementing several structural and scheduling changes to its competition. The league has announced it will scrap the ‘Opening Round’ experiment starting in 2027, returning to a traditional nine-game first week where all 18 teams begin simultaneously. This shift, which moves the 2027 Grand Final to October, is partly intended to accommodate a historic 150th-anniversary Ashes Test match at the MCG.

Looking toward 2028, the league is preparing for the entry of the Tasmania Devils. To manage the addition of a 19th team and potential fixture expansions, officials are considering shortening match quarters to address player workload concerns. Additionally, the AFL has ratified specific concessions for the Tasmania Devils' AFLW entry, including a sign-on fund and father-daughter selection rules.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: AFL considers shorter quarters and fixture changes for 2028

The AFL is considering shortening match quarters and adjusting fixtures to accommodate the Tasmania Devils' entry in 2028, while also ratifying AFLW expansion rules for the new club.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-considers-shorter-quarters-and-fixture-changes-for-2028

### 2026-09-02: AFL to scrap Opening Round and return to traditional season start

The AFL will end its Opening Round experiment in 2027, returning to a traditional nine-game first week to accommodate a historic Ashes Test match at the MCG.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afl-to-scrap-opening-round-and-return-to-traditional-season-start

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Cite as: AFL competition and scheduling changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afl-competition-and-scheduling-changes