Opening Round scrapped after three years as AFL returns to nine-game start

The AFL ended the Opening Round experiment after three seasons. Round 1 will return to a traditional nine-game format starting March 17-18.

Why it mattersFans in Queensland and New South Wales lose early-season matches in their states. The AFL's strategy to grow the game in rugby league heartland is shifting.

AustraliaAustralian AFL supporters return to the traditional first-round format with all nine matches in one week, though Queensland and New South Wales clubs no longer get an exclusive early showcase.

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