AFL scraps Opening Round experiment after three seasons, returns to traditional nine-game first week

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed the decision on Tuesday, ending the controversial concept that saw four games played exclusively in Queensland and New South Wales involving only eight clubs.

Opening Round was introduced to build a foothold in rugby league territory, but drew criticism for creating a staggered start and early-season byes. Just months ago, in March, Dillon defended the concept as "key" to growing the sport north of Victoria, citing record attendances and membership rises.

However, with the 2026 season now beginning a week later due to the historic cricket Test, the league has scrapped the experiment. "We have been working through alternative options to deliver the start of the AFL season," Dillon said in a statement. "After important feedback from fans and stakeholders, and consultation with clubs and broadcasters, round one will see the return of a traditional nine-game round played across the country."

The first round will begin on Wednesday or Thursday, March 17 or 18, just days after the final day of the Ashes Test. The 24-round home-and-away season will conclude on Sunday, August 30, with a five-week finals series starting with two wildcard finals. The grand final is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, and Gather Round in South Australia is locked in for April 8-11.

Why This Matters

The decision directly affects AFL fans who had criticised the uneven start and early byes, restoring a uniform season launch for all 18 clubs.
It signals a shift in the league's expansion strategy, moving away from a dedicated early-season push in Queensland and NSW toward integrating those markets into a standard national round.
The later season start, driven by the MCG's historic cricket Test, has ripple effects on fixturing, finals timing, and the sporting calendar in Australia.

Background

Opening Round was introduced in 2024 as a three-year experiment to boost AFL awareness in rugby league strongholds. The concept involved only eight clubs playing in NSW and Queensland, leaving the other 10 clubs idle until the traditional round one. Critics argued it created an unfair schedule and diluted the season's integrity. Despite Dillon's earlier defence of strong attendances and membership growth, the league has now reversed course, citing feedback from fans, clubs, and broadcasters.

Key Perspectives

AFL administration: Argued Opening Round was building momentum in northern markets, with record metrics. However, the later season start forced a reassessment, and the league now prioritises a clean, traditional start across all states. Fans and critics: Many viewed Opening Round as confusing and unfair, with some clubs getting a staggered start. The return to a full nine-game round addresses those concerns but may slow the league's penetration in rugby league heartland. Clubs and broadcasters: The league consulted these groups, and their support for a traditional round one suggests commercial and competitive considerations outweighed the expansion experiment.

What to Watch

Whether the AFL introduces other targeted initiatives to grow the game in NSW and Queensland, given Opening Round's removal.
How the later season start and early-April Gather Round affect player workload and injury rates.
Fan and media reaction to the reverse, and whether any clubs express disappointment over lost early-season exposure in northern markets.

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