Sydney Swans and their high-profile recruit Brodie Grundy will kick off the 2024 AFL season against his former club Melbourne as part of a new ópening round’of four games ahead of round one.
Brodie Grundy. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The AFL has announced the competition will start with two matches in New South Wales and two in Queensland on March 7-9 before a full nine-game round one the week after.
The Swans start the season against the Demons at the SCG on Thursday, March 7. Brisbane Lions host Carlton on Friday, March 8 at the Gabba with two games on the Saturday – pitting new Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick against his former club Richmond, at Heritage Bank Stadium and Collingwood in a preliminary final rematch against the GWS Giants.
Those eight clubs will have a second in-season bye staggered across rounds 2-6 to ensure all clubs have played the same number of matches though round 7.
Round 1 will begin with on March 14 at the MCG with a clash between Carlton and Richmond.
Collingwood will face the Swans on March 15.
“We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and New South Wales a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to play these four games in key markets where footy continues to grow in popularity,” said AFL CEO Andrew Dillon of the opening round.
“The four match-ups are big, with four of our biggest supported Victorian clubs travelling north, and we look forward to starting our season with real momentum before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in round 1.
“Given this weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.
“We are driven to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire.”
The full fixture will be released on Thursday, and there are reports it will include Brisbane versus Collingwood on Easter Thursday, a North Melbourne versus Carlton clash on Good Friday, Essendon versus Carlton King’s Birthday Eve game, and a bumper St Kilda home MCG clash against Collingwood in round 2.
Collingwood and Carlton are expected to feature prominently in the prime time Thursday and Friday night slots this year.
Opening Round AFL Fixture
Sydney v Melbourne (SCG) March 7, 7.20pm
Brisbane v Carlton (Gabba) March 8 7.50pm / 6.50pm local
Gold Coast v Richmond (HBS) March 9, 4.20pm / 3.20pm local
GWS v Collingwood (GS) March 9, 7.30pm
Scyphus
Roar Rookie
I give a spit about Australian Football. I also tried to like Rugby League, but failed.
XI
Roar Guru
Yeah the Qld and WA teams need to be playing out of the heat for the first month
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
The recurring nightmare.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Isn't it Rnd .4444?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Even l don't read the paper
Macca
Roar Rookie
And then it would have to be called round 1. :laughing:
Gary
Roar Rookie
I like that the AFL has seen this opportunity and gone for it. The evening slot is ideal for this time of year. Unfortunately, we will see WA teams play on Sunday afternoon (3-4pm) in March and April in stifling heat. And will Collingwood and Carlton be travelling west to play in this heat? It's time for Thurs-Sat night games for WA teams in the first 4/5 rounds regardless of timezone difference. Player safety and crowd comfort needs to be considered in this forecasted long hot and dry summer-autumn period.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I get that. Like Rugby League copying SOO from Australian Football or the Heritage Round or the Indigenous Round. You are so right.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
"0" is the reason why people can't count anymore. I blame Prince
Arges Tuft
Roar Rookie
Why would it matter where and when the NRL are playing anyway? This 4 game opening round is awesome for growth in NSW and QLD. Slowly GC Suns and GWS are growing
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
It’s not the AFL copying the NRL it’s the NRL copying the NFL what with their games in England and Germany
XI
Roar Guru
I'm going to enjoy this
RT
Roar Rookie
Bring back match ratio?
RT
Roar Rookie
That is 100% what it is about.
RT
Roar Rookie
Too many venues unavailable I think
ScottyJ
Roar Rookie
And why not have a full round of games???
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Sounds like a gamble to me.
Gilberto
Roar Rookie
except since 8pm in Sydney, 7pm in Brisbane is 1am in Vegas I assume the Vegas games can't be played at primetime
Mr Murray
Roar Rookie
Have to keep the carlton and richmond fans happy
Macca
Roar Rookie
And what will be the end result of all that media coverage? NRL supporters will continue to support NRL, AFL supporters will continue to support AFL – no American will give a s..t about either sport but the NRL execs and their mates and the media will get an all expenses paid trip to Vegas.