AFL scraps Opening Round for 2027 season, restores all-18-team Round One
Change follows two seasons of criticism; season start delayed by one week for cricket test match anniversary
The AFL has abandoned the Opening Round fixture after two seasons, announcing that all 18 clubs will play in a traditional Round One from the 2027 season onwards. Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said the league had listened to feedback over the fixture, which had drawn criticism for creating an uneven playing field by giving early-season byes to the teams that played in it.