The AFL has released its fixture for the 2025 season, with matches confirmed up to round 15 and several notable changes designed to maximize fan engagement. This season will see 23 Thursday night games, a significant increase from last year, as the league aims to cater to fan demand and increase prime-time exposure.
The season opener kicks off with Brisbane and Geelong clashing at the Gabba on Thursday, March 6. Hawthorn, fresh from an impressive 2024 season, is set to enjoy a heightened prime-time presence with seven Thursday and Friday night games in the first 16 rounds. Dubbed the “Hollywood Hawks” for their dynamic performances, they’ll also feature in a major Sunday night game against Port Adelaide during Gather Round and the traditional Easter Monday game against Geelong.
Other high-profile teams, including Carlton and Collingwood, have seven Thursday or Friday night games, while Essendon leads with eight such fixtures. Gather Round’s prime-time games, especially on Sunday nights, are part of the AFL’s new $4.5 billion broadcast deal, designed to drive record-breaking attendance and TV audiences. Select Sunday night games will be free-to-air, aligning with public holidays to make these fixtures more accessible.
The holiday-themed games are a highlight of the season. The Western Bulldogs and St Kilda will meet on Easter Sunday, Carlton and Essendon will face off on King’s Birthday Eve, and Brisbane’s Queensland derby against Gold Coast in round eight aligns with the local Labour Day. Additionally, West Coast and Fremantle will host five of nine marquee Sunday night games, including a local derby in round three.
AFL fixtures boss Josh Bowler expressed excitement over the increased prime-time and marquee games, emphasizing the league’s commitment to breaking attendance records and delivering a balanced draw. “Sunday nights proved to be very popular last season,” Bowler said, citing new marquee games around major public holidays as a key to growing fan attendance.
The season will also honor tradition, with the Sir Doug Nicholls Round featuring the Dreamtime at the G match between Essendon and Richmond as a standalone Friday night fixture in round 11. The AFL is planning several events for club anniversaries, including milestone matches for the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and North Melbourne as they celebrate 100 years in the league.
Opening Round:
The season commences with the Opening Round, featuring four matches:
- Thursday, March 6: Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats at the Gabba, 7:50 pm AEDT.
- Friday, March 7: Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn Hawks at the SCG, 7:40 pm AEDT.
- Saturday, March 8: Gold Coast Suns vs. Essendon Bombers at Carrara Stadium, 5:15 pm AEDT.
- Sunday, March 9: GWS Giants vs. Collingwood Magpies at Sydney Showground Stadium, 3:20 pm AEDT.
Round 1:
Following the Opening Round, Round 1 features:
- Thursday, March 13: Richmond Tigers vs. Carlton Blues at the MCG, 7:30 pm AEDT.
- Friday, March 14: Hawthorn Hawks vs. Essendon Bombers at the MCG, 7:40 pm AEDT.
- Saturday, March 15:
- Geelong Cats vs. Fremantle Dockers at Kardinia Park, 1:20 pm AEDT.
- Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions at the SCG, 4:15 pm AEDT.
- Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne Kangaroos at Docklands, 7:35 pm AEDT.
- Collingwood Magpies vs. Port Adelaide Power at the MCG, 7:35 pm AEDT.
- Sunday, March 16:
- Adelaide Crows vs. St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval, 12:35 pm AEDT.
- Melbourne Demons vs. GWS Giants at the MCG, 3:20 pm AEDT.
- West Coast Eagles vs. Gold Coast Suns at Perth Stadium, 6:10 pm AEDT.
Prime-Time Fixtures:
Hawthorn, following a strong 2024 season, is scheduled for seven Thursday and Friday night games in the first 16 weeks. They will also participate in a Sunday night match against Port Adelaide during Gather Round and the traditional Easter Monday clash with Geelong. Carlton and Collingwood each have seven Thursday or Friday night games, while Essendon leads with eight.
Marquee Matches:
The fixture includes several marquee Sunday night games aligned with public holidays:
- Easter Sunday: Western Bulldogs vs. St Kilda.
- King’s Birthday Eve: Carlton vs. Essendon.
- Queensland Labour Day Eve: Brisbane vs. Gold Coast in Round 8.
- WA Day Eve: West Coast hosts Geelong in Round 12.
West Coast and Fremantle will host five of the nine Sunday night games broadcast on the east coast, including a local derby at 3:10 pm local time in Round 3.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round:
In Round 11, the Sir Doug Nicholls Round will feature the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G match between Essendon and Richmond as a standalone Friday night fixture. The following day, Docklands Stadium will host a double-header:
- Carlton vs. GWS at 1:20 pm.
- North Melbourne vs. Collingwood at 7:35 pm.
Club Anniversaries:
The Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and North Melbourne will celebrate their 100-year anniversaries of joining the league with marquee matches throughout the season.
The AFL’s 2025 fixture aims to build on the previous season’s record attendance of over 8 million fans, offering a balanced and engaging schedule for clubs and supporters alike.
