Fixture 2025 draw any news or leaks?

[DazalenkoUBewty]

I hate how the AFL is splitting round one.

 

[RobHawk]

I dislike how teams like Sydney and Brisbane are guaranteed to play their first game of the season at home every year

 

[powerrrrrrrrrrrr]

Opening round is just the arse. Absolutely terrible this year. Can’t believe they are repeating it.

 

[Boyohboywowwee]

I dislike how teams like Sydney and Brisbane are guaranteed to play their first game of the season at home every year

It sucks playing 16 games in your home state…..

 

[StackedHunch]

It sucks playing 16 games in your home state…..

Or being gifted one more home game than every other team because you host Gather Round.

 

[jdeezy]

Or being gifted one more home game than every other team because you host Gather Round.

Your team was gifted home ground advantage, despite finishing lower, in two grand finals in a row I reckon you're still going ok on the home ground bias stakes.

 

[jdeezy]

I don't mind aspects of Round 0 - season starting earlier (on a long weekend for many - good travel options), season starting not with that Carlton / Richmond slop, being a showcase of games in non-traditional states. But you could do that and still have the full slate of 9 games easily.

Also call it Round 1 because **** me what a load of wank giving it this stupid name because apparently Carlton and Richmond must play at the MCG in "Round 1".

 

[greatwhiteshark]

I don't mind aspects of Round 0 - season starting earlier (on a long weekend for many - good travel options), season starting not with that Carlton / Richmond slop, being a showcase of games in non-traditional states. But you could do that and still have the full slate of 9 games easily.

Also call it Round 1 because **** me what a load of wank giving it this stupid name because apparently Carlton and Richmond must play at the MCG in "Round 1".

They can call it round zero, but if it’s the first games of the season then it’s round 1. Only an idiot would think it’s something different to round 1.

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Does this mean Hawks are the hottest hype side since Carlton 2024?

So hot right now.

 

[Cleavy]

So are we just going to ignore that Engie Stadium is hosting Green Day on Mon 3 Mar?

FIVE day turnaround for what's already among the poorest playing surfaces in the comp after a concert?

No.

so... Basketcase?

 

[Windy At Moorabbin]

My main issue with Opening Round is that it gives 8 teams 2 byes whilst the other 10 only get the one. Will the AFL attempt to fix this advantage or leave it as it was last year?

 

[Underarm]

My main issue with Opening Round is that it gives 8 teams 2 byes whilst the other 10 only get the one. Will the AFL attempt to fix this advantage or leave it as it was last year

1. It's a problem that's impossible to fix. Those 8 teams are going to get extra byes.

2. When Tasmania come in, there's going to be 1or 3 teams having byes every week all year so disjointed ladders is something we all have to get used to.

 

[Libbaaaa]

1. It's a problem that's impossible to fix. Those 8 teams are going to get extra byes.

2. When Tasmania come in, there's going to be 1or 3 teams having byes every week all year so disjointed ladders is something we all have to get used to.

Easy fix when Tassie comes in is make it a 18 round competition where you play everyone once and then the year after flip the draw. Fixture equality, rest for players and can start the season around Easter every year.

 

[doppleganger]

My main issue with Opening Round is that it gives 8 teams 2 byes whilst the other 10 only get the one. Will the AFL attempt to fix this advantage or leave it as it was last year?

Which teams supposedly have an advantage?

Not sure how Brisbane were "advantaged" by starting earlier than everyone else and then having a "bye" in Rd2 after playing 2 games.

Much rather not be involved in R0 and just have regular continuity of the season compared to starting early and then have a week off after 2 games that just stuffs any momentum you are trying to build.

 

[fpm84]

Opening round sucks, I am so disappointed we are part of it.

 

[Underarm]

Easy fix when Tassie comes in is make it a 18 round competition where you play everyone once and then the year after flip the draw. Fixture equality, rest for players and can start the season around Easter every year.

That wouldn't fix anything. You are still going to have byes each week?

I guess until a few clubs have to fold from the enormous drop in revenue for the league.

 

[LB#16]

I would expect Essendon to join Carlton in requesting to not be apart of Opening Round the year after they first play it. 4:15pm in the Gold Coast heat in March is absurd scheduling when the game is the only one on the Saturday with the nightime slot wide open.

 

[Pies No 1]

I can't believe Collingwood are involved in this garbage again.

I firmly believe opening round derailed our 2024 season and was the primary reason we didn't make finals. Finished 1 game out of finals, but lost the first 3 games. Even winning just 1 of those first 3 games would have got us into the top 8.

Yes, Brisbane won the Grand Final, but they also started 0.3, and what stopped our resurgence was the amount of injuries we had throughout the season. Brisbane were lucky to have a good run with minimal injuries.

Opening round does no favors for teams going deep into finals, and is clearly manipulation of the draw to boost the NSW/QLD teams and give them momentum to start the season. 3 of them made the top 8, and Gold Coast had one of their best seasons to date. Also.. Sydney/GWS/Gold Coast all had very strong starts to the season.

AFL = WWE.

 

[Iago]

Which teams supposedly have an advantage?

Not sure how Brisbane were "advantaged" by starting earlier than everyone else and then having a "bye" in Rd2 after playing 2 games.

Much rather not be involved in R0 and just have regular continuity of the season compared to starting early and then have a week off after 2 games that just stuffs any momentum you are trying to build.

On the small sample size, both 2024 Grand Finals teams played in opening round.
And another "won" the spoon.
In short I have no idea.
Thanks for reading.

 

[LuckyBounce!]

On the small sample size, both 2024 Grand Finals teams played in opening round.
And another "won" the spoon.
In short I have no idea.
Thanks for reading.

Chris Scott bitched and moaned about it all year and now Geelong are part of it so I’m sure he’ll be sooking about something else soon enough!

 

[Gavin Excell]

Opening round sucks, I am so disappointed we are part of it.

Same
Nobody wants Opening Round

 

[Iago]

Chris Scott bitched and moaned about it all year and now Geelong are part of it so I’m sure he’ll be sooking about something else soon enough!

Thanks for the input. How's Ross doing?

 

[doppleganger]

Same
Nobody wants Opening Round

2024 Opening Round had GWS biggest non Derby crowd, GABBA and Suns also had a sellout.

So clearly the AFL and NSW/QLD teams like it from a commercial perspective.

Do the players and footy departments want it, not really.

Perhaps give the Saints a crack next year, get them an extra prime time game and the advantage of starting early.

 

[mikey127]

Same
Nobody wants Opening Round

Speak for yourself. Many of us think it's a good idea.

 

[kreuze_missile]

I thought the reason for Opening Round last year was because NRL was in Vegas?

In 2025 the AFL's Opening Round will go head to head with NRL Round 1 in the northern states.

Seems a bit stupid.. but so does everything the AFL seems to do at the moment.