Carlton and Richmond bumped from 2027 AFL season opener
AFL moving Carlton-Richmond from traditional round one Thursday night opener to Saturday or Sunday afternoon slot in 2027 season.
Carlton-Richmond has opened round one almost every year since 2008 in a Thursday night slot. Carlton-Richmond's last four meetings drew more than 74,000 to the MCG and were all decided by less than two goals.
Brisbane-Fremantle grand final rematch has been floated as a potential replacement opener. The change comes because the 2027 season starts a week late, as the MCG will host the 150th anniversary cricket Test through mid-March.
The AFL is also scrapping Opening Round format after three years of poor reviews. The new 2027 season is expected to start March 18 with all 18 teams playing.
- Almost every year since 2008
- Years as opener
- More than 74,000 at the MCG
- Last four meeting attendance
- March 15
- Cricket Test ends
- March 18
- Expected round one start
Why it mattersAFL is fundamentally reshaping its fixture calendar, ending an iconic round one tradition that shaped Australian football for two decades.
AustraliaMajor shift to Australian football's 2027 fixture; affects MCG attendance patterns and how the season begins for clubs and fans.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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