season 'Opening Round' experiment ahead of 2027
The Australian Football League (AFL) has decided to scrap its 'Opening Round' experiment after three seasons. The league will return to a traditional nine-game first week starting in 2027.
Why it matters
The decision marks a significant shift in sports scheduling strategy for Australia's most popular football code, responding to fan and stakeholder feedback.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon (pictured) has backtracked on his previous comments by scrapping Opening Round. ( Getty Images: Quinn Rooney )
The 2027 AFL season will begin with all 18 teams in action in a traditional nine-game first week.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon confirmed the end of the three-season "Opening Round" experiment designed to grow the game in Queensland and New South Wales.
The decision comes after Dillon previously defended the concept, saying it was "key" to growing Australian rules football in the northern states.
Link copied Share Share article The AFL has scrapped the Opening Round experiment after three seasons and will return to a traditional nine-game first week.
League boss Andrew Dillon today confirmed the demise of the much-criticised concept that featured four games played exclusively in Queensland and New South Wales between only a selection of eight clubs.
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