2025 AFL Fixture

[Axe Man]

AFL Fixture 2025 news: Carlton want out of Opening Round, possible Lions-Cats season opener revealed (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-fixture-2025-news-carlton-want-out-of-opening-round-release-date-revealed/news-story/90d9d6105f2e32d5bf881ebb89db09ec)

Carlton wants to give the AFL?s blockbuster Opening Round a miss next season to avoid a road-heavy schedule in the early part of next year.

The Blues have told the league they would prefer to start their 2025 campaign in the traditional season-opener against Richmond on Thursday, March 13 at the MCG.

And Western Bulldogs are eying a blockbuster early-season game, potentially against Collingwood at the MCG, to help ramp up their 100th- year anniversary celebrations.

Next year the annual Round 1 Tigers-Blues blockbuster will be a home game for Richmond as Adem Yze?s men prepare to unleash a slew of top draft picks and kick-start a new era.

Victoria will welcome an influx of interstate and overseas visitors in Round 1 which also coincides with the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park, making it a spectacular weekend of sport in Melbourne on March 13-16.

WHAT WE KNOW
Opening Round
March 6-8 (New South Wales and Queensland)

Round 1
March 13-16 (Plus F1 Grand Prix at Albert Park)
Richmond v Carlton MCG March 13
Hawthorn v Essendon MCG TBC

Round 5
April 10-13 (Gather Round in South Australia)

Round 6
April 17-21 (Easter weekend)
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood Gabba April 17
North Melbourne v Carlton Marvel Stadium April 18

Round 7
April 24 - 27 (ANZAC Round)
Melbourne v Richmond MCG April 24
Collingwood v Essendon MCG April 25

The Blues are already slated to play away games in Round 1 (Richmond), Round 5 (Gather Round) and Round 6 for Good Friday (North Melbourne) and want to steer clear of another trip away to New South Wales or Queensland for the Opening Round on March 6-8.

The AFL wants to start the season up north again next year on March 6-8 after a successful Opening Round last year, selling out all four games.

But the fixture twist means the AFL will look to replace Carlton with another Victorian club such as Geelong for the first round of the 2025 season.

Cats? coach Chris Scott last year said the Opening Round was a ?compromise? for the AFL and its clubs as it allowed the eight teams which participated in it a second in-season bye.

The details will be confirmed when the AFL officially releases its fixture in the second week of November.

Collingwood is also open to being included again in Opening Round after missing finals last year gave the club a longer lead-in to the March 6-8 kick-off.

The Tigers could also be replaced for the Opening Round following the departure of four stars - Daniel Rioli, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Jack Graham ? plus the retirement of champion Dustin Martin.

The Cats are a chance to take on Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in the first game of the 2025 season when the Lions will unfurl their premiership flag, although it remains unconfirmed as the AFL thrash out the final fixture details over the next fortnight.

It could also be a first look in the regular season at Geelong?s newest superstar recruit, Bailey Smith.

The Bulldogs were overlooked for a marquee fixture last season one year after the club was dumped from the stand-alone Good Friday slot in favour of Carlton.

But the Dogs have asked the league to schedule a high-drawing blockbuster clash against a powerhouse Victorian side such as the Magpies, Blues or Hawthorn in the early part of next season to celebrate the club?s 100th AFL season.

The Magpies loom as the ideal fit in a one-off home ground clash on a Thursday or Friday night at the MCG, or at the Dogs? home ground Marvel Stadium.

A clash at the MCG against the Magpies would draw a crowd in excess of 70,000-plus fans.

St Kilda has enjoyed an early-season blockbuster against Collingwood in recent years, including its 150th anniversary match in 2023, but that match is on shaky ground for 2025.

Hawthorn is expected to host traditional rival Essendon in Round 1 next year 40 years on from the Bombers? win over the Hawks in the 1985 Grand Final.

Carlton wants to increase the number of games it plays at the MCG from five to six next season.

[hujsh]

So what we were already doing before MFC decided it was more fun to beat up on us because they don't have a real premiership

[comrade]

Opening Round and Gather Round are dog shit and add nothing positive to the game. I?m also still filthy on losing Good Friday to Carlton. **** the AFL.

[Axe Man]

So what we were already doing before MFC decided it was more fun to beat up on us because they don't have a real premiership

It only says we requested an early season blockbuster, could very well still play our "traditional" round 1 game v Melbourne.

[hujsh]

It only says we requested an early season blockbuster, could very well still play our "traditional" round 1 game v Melbourne.

ugh, yeah

[bulldogsthru&thru]

The more i read about 2025 afel the less interested I get. I don't think they could dilute the product any further if they tried.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Opening Round and Gather Round are dog shit and add nothing positive to the game. I?m also still filthy on losing Good Friday to Carlton. **** the AFL.

Don't tar the two with the same brush.

Opening round just creates a cluster*** of fixture issues.
Playing first up against a team who has one under their belt is a nonsense.
Having the OR teams banking an extra break and nice little freshen up 6 weeks is unfair.
Having some teams having two byes before others have one is borderline cheating.

Gather round is epic. End.

[comrade]

Don't tar the two with the same brush.

Opening round just creates a cluster*** of fixture issues.
Playing first up against a team who has one under their belt is a nonsense.
Having the OR teams banking an extra break and nice little freshen up 6 weeks is unfair.
Having some teams having two byes before others have one is borderline cheating.

Gather round is epic. End.

Epic for who? The South Aussie clubs and fans, yeah. Clubs that got to play an ?away? game at a neutral venue, yeah.

For us? It was shithouse and creates more inequities in the fixture.

We were forced to give up a home game last year and it potentially cost us a top 4 spot. And it?ll probably happen again.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Epic for who? The South Aussie clubs and fans, yeah. Clubs that got to play an ?away? game at a neutral venue, yeah.

For us? It was shithouse and creates more inequities in the fixture.

We were forced to give up a home game last year and it potentially cost us a top 4 spot. And it?ll probably happen again.

It?s an extra game for all clubs, nobody is giving up a home game.

The SA club argument is also a poor one. Sure the same clubs should not play the SA clubs more than once over all the gather rounds, but Port and the Crows having one extra game in SA is far from the biggest concern in a competition where he GF is always played in one place.

Even the worst looked after Victorian teams (like us) travel a fraction of what the ?Interstate? teams travel, so there is also that. People are happy to complain about their club having to travel and how tired they are and whatnot, as long as that conversation doesn?t involve the clubs outside of Victoria.

Also, people who are SA fans are hardly the only ones enjoying gather round. That statement is a bit ignorant tbh.

[mjp]

It?s an extra game for all clubs, nobody is giving up a home game.


If you draw Port or Adelaide you are giving up a home game to THEM...'cos they get an extra one.

I love gather round but it does give the 2x Adelaide clubs an extra home game...they should play each other and it should be 1 of the 2 Showdowns.

I appreciate the sides in Adelaide and Sydney (and soon, Tassy) travel to Melbourne but it is a 1-hour flight...It's also not like they are being asked to get to the airport 90-minutes ahead of the gate call...I do think Adelaide should host gather round ad infinitum and love the concept but I really hope the Adelaide clubs aren't complaining about their travel schedule.

[comrade]

It?s an extra game for all clubs, nobody is giving up a home game.

The SA club argument is also a poor one. Sure the same clubs should not play the SA clubs more than once over all the gather rounds, but Port and the Crows having one extra game in SA is far from the biggest concern in a competition where he GF is always played in one place.

Even the worst looked after Victorian teams (like us) travel a fraction of what the ?Interstate? teams travel, so there is also that. People are happy to complain about their club having to travel and how tired they are and whatnot, as long as that conversation doesn?t involve the clubs outside of Victoria.

Also, people who are SA fans are hardly the only ones enjoying gather round. That statement is a bit ignorant tbh.

We played Geelong in Adelaide instead of Marvel. We gave up home ground advantage and it probably cost us the win. I could care less about Adelaide clubs getting an extra home game. I care about losing home ground advantage.

Gather Round blows for anyone who doesn?t either live or want to travel to wherever it?s held.

[hujsh]

We played Geelong in Adelaide instead of Marvel. We gave up home ground advantage and it probably cost us the win. I could care less about Adelaide clubs getting an extra home game. I care about losing home ground advantage.

Gather Round blows for anyone who doesn?t either live or want to travel to wherever it?s held.

They only called it our home game because we have to play in Geelong every year as a form of divine punishment sent from a cruel, uncaring god.

[jeemak]

It?s an extra game for all clubs, nobody is giving up a home game.

The SA club argument is also a poor one. Sure the same clubs should not play the SA clubs more than once over all the gather rounds, but Port and the Crows having one extra game in SA is far from the biggest concern in a competition where he GF is always played in one place.

Even the worst looked after Victorian teams (like us) travel a fraction of what the ?Interstate? teams travel, so there is also that. People are happy to complain about their club having to travel and how tired they are and whatnot, as long as that conversation doesn?t involve the clubs outside of Victoria.

Also, people who are SA fans are hardly the only ones enjoying gather round. That statement is a bit ignorant tbh.

We don't have a home ground. The SA, WA, QLD and NSW teams do. That offsets the travel.

[The Adelaide Connection]

If you draw Port or Adelaide you are giving up a home game to THEM...'cos they get an extra one.

I love gather round but it does give the 2x Adelaide clubs an extra home game...they should play each other and it should be 1 of the 2 Showdowns.

I appreciate the sides in Adelaide and Sydney (and soon, Tassy) travel to Melbourne but it is a 1-hour flight...It's also not like they are being asked to get to the airport 90-minutes ahead of the gate call...I do think Adelaide should host gather round ad infinitum and love the concept but I really hope the Adelaide clubs aren't complaining about their travel schedule.

This is why I stated that no team should be drawn to either of the teams more than once. There are 16 other teams, so that means we have a good 8 years before we hit one again.

I don't disagree with the "they should play each other" argument, but the AFL is all about maximising crowds at every turn- so taking away a guaranteed Showdown sellout from another time in the season is not going to happen.


We played Geelong in Adelaide instead of Marvel. We gave up home ground advantage and it probably cost us the win. I could care less about Adelaide clubs getting an extra home game. I care about losing home ground advantage.

Gather Round blows for anyone who doesn?t either live or want to travel to wherever it?s held.

No, we didn't. We played Geelong as an extra fixture- if the fixture was removed there is no telling that we would have drawn them at Marvel.

Besides, what kind of parallel universe do you live in that you think we automatically beat Geelong at Marvel? They had a mid-season slump (when we got them at Geelong) but their early season form was much better than ours (despite us getting close in that game).


We don't have a home ground. The SA, WA, QLD and NSW teams do. That offsets the travel.

This is highly debatable. Ultimately, the MCG GF thing is something that should be complained about far sooner than gather round.

MCG tenants are obviously the most advantaged by this, but Victorian teams getting the lead up in their own beds surely has some quantifiable advantage.

All said and done, there is no way two teams getting an extra home game during gather round is far from the biggest problem with the fixture.

[Sedat]

Too much whining about having to play a 'home' game in Adelaide against Geelong. Some of you people could do with a course of one-on-one training from the new Chief of Leadership and Performance at Morris Finance.

[Grantysghost]

Too much whining about having to play a 'home' game in Adelaide against Geelong. Some of you people could do with a course of one-on-one training from the new Chief of Leadership and Performance at Morris Finance.
Hahahaaaaaaaaa.

Fk that's funny.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Too much whining about having to play a 'home' game in Adelaide against Geelong. Some of you people could do with a course of one-on-one training from the new Chief of Leadership and Performance at Morris Finance.

Hahahaha. Gold.

[GVGjr]

I read on X that apparently we will play Brisbane in the Gather round next season.
Whats the bet that it's our home game?

[Mantis]

It certainly reads that way as we were the 1st team named.

As per the report it will be played at Norwood Oval in the Saturday twilight slot.

[azabob]

I read on X that apparently we will play Brisbane in the Gather round next season.
Whats the bet that it's our home game?

I was under the impression that we do not lose a home game though? We should still have our 11 home games in Melbourne and Ballarat.

[Axe Man]

I was under the impression that we do not lose a home game though? We should still have our 11 home games in Melbourne and Ballarat.

Exactly, it's an extra game, it doesn't matter who they designate as the home team.

[GVGjr]

I was under the impression that we do not lose a home game though? We should still have our 11 home games in Melbourne and Ballarat.

Yes, you are probably right but assuming we play Brisbane again in 25 will it be in Melbourne or Brisbane?

[azabob]

Yes, you are probably right but assuming we play Brisbane again in 25 will it be in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Yeah fair call. Likely we are due to go to Brisbane as I don't think we played them there in 2024.

[Happy Days]

Almost certainly means playing Brisbane twice but can’t really be too annoyed so long as it’s not one of the Adelaide teams who I assume are still not playing each other for some reason

[Axe Man]

Not at Adelaide Oval this time, that may help us as we sure didn't like playing there this year.


Norwood will retain two matches, headlined by reigning premier Brisbane taking on the Western Bulldogs in a Saturday twilight encounter.

[Axe Man]

Almost certainly means playing Brisbane twice but can’t really be too annoyed so long as it’s not one of the Adelaide teams who I assume are still not playing each other for some reason

The reason is money.

It's The Crom v the Cats and Port v Hawks.

[Axe Man]

https://i.postimg.cc/zv11B2vq/ICL-MRK-2025-140422-Gather-Round-Fixtures-Social-Templates-Story-FINAL-1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/0MZ4Xf74)

[comrade]

?Home? game against another top team at a neutral venue. Nice.

[comrade]

Exactly, it's an extra game, it doesn't matter who they designate as the home team.

It matters who you play at a neutral venue. And given we?ll probably be playing Brisbane twice, the other game will be at the Gabba. So we get the reigning premiers away twice. Awesome.

Give us North or St Kilda to try and give it at least some hint of fairness. Or make it one of our away games against a contending team.

Gather Round blows.

[Happy Days]

The reason is money.

It's The Crom v the Cats and Port v Hawks.

I know why they do it, I’m just saying they shouldn’t. Every year two teams get completely hosed.

[comrade]

Scenario A: R4 Bulldogs v Brisbane in Adelaide, R20 Brisbane v Bulldogs at Gabba.

Scenario B: R4 Bulldogs v St Kilda in Adelaide, R20 St Kilda v Bulldogs at Marvel.

Scenario C: R4 Freo v Bulldogs in Adelaide, R20 Bulldogs v Freo at Marvel.

There is one clear cut worse scenario and it?s the one we?ve been given. Just like last year.

I don?t know where this ?it?s just an extra game? concept comes from. Gather Round influences the remaining fixture - who and where you play - for the year.

In a competition that?s already ****ed with inequities, Gather Round just adds to the mire.

[Grantysghost]

It's possible we don't play the Lions twice.

[comrade]

It's possible we don't play the Lions twice.

I?ll buy you a beer if we don?t.

And if we do?

Even if we do only play them once, you?d prefer to burn an ?extra? home game vs a team that plays at your own home ground like Saints or North or Essendon. That seems much fairer.

Or if fairness isn?t the goal, you?d much much prefer to cop an ?away? game at a neutral venue against a strong side like Freo. It means we don?t have to play at their ground and also means they will play us at ours if fixtured twice in the year. That?s a massive leg up in such a tight competition.

We got the worst case scenario two years running. I can?t see how anyone thinks it?s just an extra game.

[Grantysghost]

I?ll buy you a beer if we don?t.

And if we do?

Even if we do only play them once, you?d prefer to burn an ?extra? home game vs a team that plays at your own home ground like Saints or North or Essendon. That seems much fairer.

Or if fairness isn?t the goal, you?d much much prefer to cop an ?away? game at a neutral venue against a strong side like Freo. It means we don?t have to play at their ground and also means they will play us at ours if fixtured twice in the year. That?s a massive leg up in such a tight competition.

We got the worst case scenario two years running. I can?t see how anyone thinks it?s just an extra game.

I'm with you it sucks. I was being a tad sarcastic with that you can almost bet your Albo tweets about Trump on it.

[Happy Days]

Considering they belted us at home last year maybe playing them on the neutral fake toy ground isn’t all bad?

[Danny the snakeman]

If we're good enough it won't matter .

[Palace03]

Makes a huge difference who you get in Gather Round and we have been screwed 3 years in a row.

Just look at this year, Brisbane's extra game is against North and ours is against Geelong. Port get an extra home game and its a soft one v Essendon. GWS get a soft one against GC.

Was the difference between us finishing top 4 and even at a stretch 2nd. Played Port, Geelong and now the reigning premier the 3 years this rubbish has been going,

[hujsh]

The only way it matters is if gather round exists outside the 'fixture fairness' thingo that dictates how many teams from each portion of the ladder you play twice. In which case we've been screwed over.

[54Bulldog16]

Couldn?t we get them at Gather and then Marvel later in the year. To be the best, you have to beat the best.

[Throughandthrough]

Norwood Oval is shit

[josie]

Port vs Hawks should be a good game to watch.

[comrade]

Couldn?t we get them at Gather and then Marvel later in the year. To be the best, you have to beat the best.

AFL won?t give us 2 ?home? games against the same side.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Norwood Oval is shit

This. I was hoping for the Barossa, Norwood Oval is a hole. It's a concrete jungle that needs an upgrade and the playing surface is tiny.

The good news is it is on the Parade and there is a food and wine festival in full swing over the weekend. Mates that went last year said it was great.

T&T are you a bit surprised they haven't used Glenelg yet? Ticks the boxes for fans (proximity to Jetty road, plenty of nearby accommodation, trams to city, etc.) I haven't been to a game there in years- is the oval facilities somehow not up to it? Not enough capacity?

[The Adelaide Connection]

That is a fair gap in the double header on Saturday (about 3 hours).

Seems odd- maybe they going to ticket it separately- kick everyone out, clean it and go again?

[Throughandthrough]

This. I was hoping for the Barossa, Norwood Oval is a hole. It's a concrete jungle that needs an upgrade and the playing surface is tiny.

The good news is it is on the Parade and there is a food and wine festival in full swing over the weekend. Mates that went last year said it was great.

T&T are you a bit surprised they haven't used Glenelg yet? Ticks the boxes for fans (proximity to Jetty road, plenty of nearby accommodation, trams to city, etc.) I haven't been to a game there in years- is the oval facilities somehow not up to it? Not enough capacity?

The clubs pushing hard, maybe wait 12 months and watch this space. The change rooms, umpire rooms are all new, surface is good, but need the higher goal posts and also the oval side boxes (interchange, trainers etc) replaced. Presumably if funding can be found, all aboard. Would be a great location. #biased

[The Adelaide Connection]

The clubs pushing hard, maybe wait 12 months and watch this space. The change rooms, umpire rooms are all new, surface is good, but need the higher goal posts and also the oval side boxes (interchange, trainers etc) replaced. Presumably if funding can be found, all aboard. Would be a great location. #biased

I heard the broadcasters have said they don't want more than three venues- that is why they aren't doing Barossa and Mt.Barker at the same time.

Ideally I think one Mt. Barker, one Barossa, one Glenelg and one Norwood (only due to locality and the party they put on) would be ideal.

Barossa will be epic though. So annoyed that the Dogs land on Saturday afternoon- is going to likely stop me getting there.

[Throughandthrough]

Mt Barker has turned into a massive white elephant. Costs local footy and cricket clubs too much to hire it so all playing elsewhere

[Axe Man]

This. I was hoping for the Barossa, Norwood Oval is a hole. It's a concrete jungle that needs an upgrade and the playing surface is tiny.

The good news is it is on the Parade and there is a food and wine festival in full swing over the weekend. Mates that went last year said it was great.

T&T are you a bit surprised they haven't used Glenelg yet? Ticks the boxes for fans (proximity to Jetty road, plenty of nearby accommodation, trams to city, etc.) I haven't been to a game there in years- is the oval facilities somehow not up to it? Not enough capacity?

I went to Glenelg last year to watch the VFL v SANFL game and seemed like a decent venue to me although would obviously have needed a lot more food and drink outlets and toilets etc for an AFL game.

Also went to the Norwood food and wine festival on the Sunday arvo (Richmond v St Kilda were playing at the time) and it was great. Heading over again next year and don't mind going to Norwood. The Barossa would have been a pain as my in laws live down south.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

So that opening round shit is back. I can't contain my excitement for 2025.

[hujsh]

Guess they didn't care about Collingwood's request to not be involved lol.

They have to at least sort out the fixture for the week after this time. Aint that hard to do.

[Axe Man]

Opening Round 2025
Thursday, March 6
Brisbane v Geelong at the Gabba, 6.50pm AEST (7.50pm AEDT)

Friday, March 7
Sydney v Hawthorn at the SCG, 7.40pm AEDT

Saturday, March 8
Gold Coast v Essendon at People First Stadium, 4.15pm AEST (5.15pm AEDT)

Sunday, March 9
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood at Engie Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT

[Grantysghost]

Very likely we again play a team with a games head start.

What an inept concept.

[Happy Days]

Are they at any stage going to try and justify the logic behind this?

Going to be so awesome when they point to the high attendances and viewership as if it’s a product of splitting the opening round instead of being a product of people wanting to watch footy after 6 months off.

[Axe Man]

Very likely we again play a team with a games head start.

What an inept concept.

Not if we play our "traditional" round 1 rivals, Melbourne.

I don't get the point of opening round. Last year it was supposedly to take advantage of the NRL being focused on the Vegas games but looking at their schedule for next year the Vegas games are the weekend before (only involving 4 teams). AFL opening round coincides with NRL round 1. Most of NSW and Queensland aren't going to give a stuff about AFL opening round and will be focused on the NRL opening.

[Happy Days]

Honestly I’m down to play Melbourne round one, they suck now and might not even make it to the start of the season without imploding. So of course watch us play Port away or something.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Very likely we again play a team with a games head start.

What an inept concept.

And also playing a team midseason off the back of their 2nd bye before we even get our 1st and only bye.

When you add these 2 inequalities to the gather round one, it's 3 games where we've been screwed over. Unless of course the gather round extra game factors into the fixture equalising for double ups.

[The Adelaide Connection]

I went to Glenelg last year to watch the VFL v SANFL game and seemed like a decent venue to me although would obviously have needed a lot more food and drink outlets and toilets etc for an AFL game.

Also went to the Norwood food and wine festival on the Sunday arvo (Richmond v St Kilda were playing at the time) and it was great. Heading over again next year and don't mind going to Norwood. The Barossa would have been a pain as my in laws live down south.

That would have been a pretty decent excuse to not stay with the in-laws though.

Jokes aside, the Barossa is a damn fine slice of the world. Tanunda, Angaston, Nuri, Lyndoch are all just great towns. Got lots of hills places like Williamstown nearby too. Also if McLeods daughters was your thing- Freeling is in there too.

[GVGjr]

Are they at any stage going to try and justify the logic behind this?

Going to be so awesome when they point to the high attendances and viewership as if it’s a product of splitting the opening round instead of being a product of people wanting to watch footy after 6 months off.

The NRL play in the US so the AFL are trying to fill the void. Its a flawed logic from my perspective

[hujsh]

Not if we play our "traditional" round 1 rivals, Melbourne.

I don't get the point of opening round. Last year it was supposedly to take advantage of the NRL being focused on the Vegas games but looking at their schedule for next year the Vegas games are the weekend before (only involving 4 teams). AFL opening round coincides with NRL round 1. Most of NSW and Queensland aren't going to give a stuff about AFL opening round and will be focused on the NRL opening.


The NRL play in the US so the AFL are trying to fill the void. Its a flawed logic from my perspective

Doesn't seem to apply this year

[Mantis]

The AFL continue to make the game harder to get excited about.

[Grantysghost]

And also playing a team midseason off the back of their 2nd bye before we even get our 1st and only bye.

When you add these 2 inequalities to the gather round one, it's 3 games where we've been screwed over. Unless of course the gather round extra game factors into the fixture equalising for double ups.
And 0 marqu?e games.

It's like a strong labor area trying to get something done. Where's the incentive for the AFL. They've given us our one flag we should be grateful.

Still think a game v the Pies would work in some theme around celebrating something the supporters have in common.

But, again, unless you're an MCG tenant forget it. (oh or Essendon).

[Grantysghost]

Gaz you need to upgrade the charset so I can have marquee with the accent.

[Flamethrower]

Official - round 2 - Western Bulldogs host Collingwood at the MCG to celebrate 100 years.

[Axe Man]

Official - round 2 - Western Bulldogs host Collingwood at the MCG to celebrate 100 years.

Amazing that the AFL gave us what we asked for, I wonder what the price was?

[Axe Man]

AFL?s 2025 fixture to include 23 Thursday night fixtures
(https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/news/afl-fixture-2025-hawthorn-vs-essendon-looms-as-likely-round-1-friday-night-blockbuster/news-story/5cd71a2878ef3e9a007a120de2764d20)
AFL fans are set to feast on a smorgasbord of Thursday night football next year with as many as 23 games scheduled for the time-slot in the soon-to-be released 2025 AFL fixture.

The Herald Sun understands that there is likely to be only two weeks of next season without a game on Thursday night, which will become the feature kick-off point to each round.

The AFL is expected to make an announcement on the rise of Thursday night football as soon as today, making it the centrepiece of its new fixture, as it looks to cash in on the popular new timeslot.

This move to own Thursday nights next season coincides with the first-year of the AFL?s new $4.5 billion broadcasting rights deal.

The number of Thursday night games has steadily increased in recent years, rising from nine in 2022 to 14 this year.

The 2025 season will start on a Thursday night this year when reigning premiers Brisbane Lions hosts Geelong at the Gabba.

Thursday night matches will feature in the first 16 weeks of the season, rolling on from the Lions-Cats contest through to round 15.

Seven of the final nine rounds will also feature Thursday night games, which allows the AFL some flexibility required around scheduling heading towards the finals.

Fifteen of the 18 clubs are set to play on Thursday nights in the first bracket of 16 rounds, with Essendon likely to feature the most, on four occasions.

Brisbane, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Geelong and Carlton are also likely to feature on three occasions in the time-slot.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

From a television perspective I like the Thursday night fixture.

[Prince Imperial]

Round 13
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
Thursday 5 June
Marvel Stadium, 7.30pm

[Prince Imperial]

Round 13
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn
Thursday 5 June
Marvel Stadium, 7.30pm

Thursday night matches as the away team against Geelong (round 11) and St Kilda (round 14).

I am truly shocked we are travelling to KP...

[Plums]

Thursday night matches as the away team against Geelong (round 11) and St Kilda (round 14).

I am truly shocked we are travelling to KP...

It's a joke the AFL have scheduled us there again.
Every. Single. Year.
How is it fair?

[Prince Imperial]

It's a joke the AFL have scheduled us there again.
Every. Single. Year.
How is it fair?

It's fair because it allows Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond to barely ever play there and instead give them even more experience playing games at the MCG which hosts all Vic finals...

[Go_Dogs]

It's fair because it allows Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond to barely ever play there and instead give them even more experience playing games at the MCG which hosts all Vic finals...

Yep. Hard to fault the logic. Up the big clubs!!

[Axe Man]

Thursday games in the opening 16 weeks of the 2025 season.

OR: Brisbane Lions v Geelong, Gabba, 7.50pm (March 6)
R1: Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.30pm (March 13)
R2: Carlton v Hawthorn, MCG, 7.30pm (March 20)
R3: Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel, 7.30pm (March 27)
R4: Collingwood v Carlton, MCG, 7.30pm (April 3)
R5: Adelaide v Geelong, AO, 7.40pm (April 10, Gather Round)
R6: Brisbane v Collingwood, Gabba, 7.30pm (April 17)
R7: Melbourne v Richmond, MCG, 7.30pm (April 24, Anzac Day Eve)
R8: Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel, 7.30pm (May 1)
R9: Fremantle v Collingwood, PS, 8.10pm (May 8)
R10: Gold Coast v Hawthorn, TIO, 7.30pm (May 15)
R11: Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA, 7.30pm (May 22)
R12: Brisbane v Essendon, Gabba, 7.30pm (May 29)
R13: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel, 7.30pm (June 5)
R14: St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel, 7.30pm (June 12)
R15: Fremantle v Essendon, PS, 8.10pm (June 19)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Another tick for the afel in 2025. They really do seem to have finally gotten the message and listened to fans. I can't contain my excitement for the season to begin.

[comrade]

Geelong as always getting their wish and playing us at their shit hole. We?ll probably get them twice yet again.

[Go_Dogs]

Another tick for the afel in 2025. They really do seem to have finally gotten the message and listened to fans. I can't contain my excitement for the season to begin.

Can’t wait to see how many of the new SundayNight prime time TV friendly games we get. So excited to see the fixedture tomorrow.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

We know we're gonna get screwed by the schedule.
My thoughts are F@%& the schedule. Let's win and win and earn and retain viewer interest in us over a long time.
Then the annual Vaseline job of the schedule release will continue.

[Axe Man]

Round 1 we play North at Marvel, Saturday March 15 (not 13th per the article which is a Thursday). Up against Caleb straight up.

AFL Fixture 2025: Recruits to face former sides in round 1, St Kilda granted MCG home game (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-fixture-2025-recruits-to-face-former-sides-in-round-1-st-kilda-granted-mcg-home-game/news-story/6a6e48bf31624de79dd24c7c097fa78e)

New Collingwood star defender Dan Houston and North Melbourne recruit Caleb Daniel will face-off against their former teammates in Round 1 next season.

In a bumper start to Fox Footy’s ‘Super Saturday’ coverage in 2025, Houston and Daniel will face emotional encounters against their old sides in Melbourne on Saturday, March 13 to help launch Round 1.

Houston will make his return from a season-ending five-game suspension under lights at the MCG against Port Adelaide, while Daniel will attempt to make the Western Bulldogs pay for dumping him from the senior side in parts of 2024 at Marvel Stadium.

And the AFL has wasted no time locking in the grand final rematch with the reigning premier Brisbane Lions set to meet the Sydney Swans at the SCG in Round 1.

The grand final rematch has been slated for the 4.15pm twilight slot on Saturday which has become one of the most popular spots on the footy calendar following a surge in attendances last season.

Saturday nights have been considered the traditional prime time slot but that is changing with fans showing a preference for the Saturday twilight game following bumper crowds and television ratings in the later afternoon spot in 2024.

The grand final rematch will bring back tough memories for John Longmire’s men who were belted by the Lions following an awful start to the premiership decider last season.

The trio of Round 1 grudge matches promises to provide a tantalising start to the first regular round of the season with Saturday games to be shown live only on Fox Footy in the early part of the year.

Geelong Cats will also play their first home game of the new season at GMHBA Stadium against Fremantle, and new recruit Shai Bolton, on Saturday from 1.20pm in Round 1.

The Richmond rebuild will be on full show on Saturdays in Rounds 2 -3 with the Tigers slated to take on Adelaide away (Round 2) and St Kilda at Marvel Stadium (Round 3).

And St Kilda will have the chance to make a statement early taking on Adelaide away in Round 1, Geelong at Marvel Stadium on Saturday under lights in Round 2, followed by the Tigers in the twilight slot in Round 3.

The Collingwood – Carlton blockbuster has been given prime time rights on Thursday night in Round 4 at a packed-out MCG on April 3.

The Magpies are slated to play GWS Giants (Engie Stadium), Port Adelaide (MCG), Western Bulldogs (MCG), bye, Carlton (MCG), Sydney Swans (AO), Brisbane Lions (Gabba) and Essendon (MCG) over the first eight weeks.

Essendon will also start the season against Gold Coast (PFS) on Saturday in Opening Round, Hawthorn (MCG) on Friday night in Round 1 and Adelaide (MCG) on Saturday afternoon in Round 2.

Melbourne face North Melbourne on Sunday in Round 2 at Marvel Stadium and Gold Coast in Round 3 on Saturday at the MCG from 1.20pm.

The Hawks will also get a prime time Saturday night game in Round 3 against GWS Giants in Launceston after starting the season with back-to-back Friday night matches in Opening Round against Sydney Swans (SCG) and Round 1 against Essendon (MCG) followed by another marquee Thursday night match against Carlton in Round 2.

Saturday afternoon matches will be brought forward by 20 minutes as part of a new 1.20pm time slot next season.

The Herald Sun can reveal the AFL will on Thursday confirm games which previously began at 1.40pm will now kick off at 1.20pm on Saturdays in 2025.

The move will ensure there is less overlap between games for Saturday triple-headers which will be played live on Fox Footy.

In Round 1, Geelong and Fremantle will begin at 1.20pm, before Sydney Swans versus Brisbane from 4.15pm, and then the bounce for the pair of Saturday night games at 7.35pm.

The time change is expected to be popular among fans who expressed frustration that games overlapped during the day time.

[Axe Man]

Geelong as always getting their wish and playing us at their shit hole. We?ll probably get them twice yet again.

I hope so, I'm not going to all the way to Geelong on a Thursday night to boo Smith, I would like a more convenient opportunity. ;)

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Can’t wait to see how many of the new SundayNight prime time TV friendly games we get. So excited to see the fixedture tomorrow.

Well from a TV perspective it'll be better than Saturday games as they won't be on free to air anymore.

[azabob]

Ok can we merge both fixture threads?

[azabob]

Ok can we merge both fixture threads?

[Axe Man]

Ok can we merge both fixture threads?

Well the boss created this duplicate...

[Stevo]

Well the boss created this duplicate...

Nark

[azabob]

Well the boss created this duplicate...

Yep. So I guess it was nice knowing your thread?

[Axe Man]

Sunday nights set to be footy's new primetime frontier (https://www.afl.com.au/news/1255357/sunday-nights-set-to-be-footys-new-primetime-frontier)

THE AFL is banking on Sunday night football as its newest initiative for 2025, with next season's fixture set to include a host of games in football's fresh primetime slot.

It's understood the 2025 fixture, which is set to be released later on Thursday, will feature nine Sunday night fixtures in the opening 16 weeks of the campaign.

The initiative is born from the new TV rights deal, which kicks in next season, with Channel Seven set to broadcast a handful of the Sunday night games including a blockbuster Gather Round fixture between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn.

That game ? a repeat of last year's dramatic semi-final ? is due to begin at Adelaide Oval at 7.20pm AEST to cap the Gather Round extravaganza, with the first nine Sunday night fixtures all guaranteed to start at 6.10pm or later on the east coast.

West Coast and Fremantle will host five of the nine Sunday night games, though a number of eastern clubs will also get their fix of the new timeslot with the AFL seeking to take advantage of long weekends via the new fixture timings.

The Western Bulldogs will play Sydney at 7.20pm on Easter Sunday, while Carlton and Essendon will also face off at 7.15pm in their annual King's Birthday Eve clash.

The first QClash of the season between Brisbane and Gold Coast will also take place at 7.20pm on a Sunday evening that leads into Labour Day in Queensland.

Another quirk in the fixture will see a Marvel Stadium double-header in round 11, coinciding with Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Carlton will play Greater Western Sydney on the Saturday at 1.20pm AEST, before North Melbourne hosts Collingwood at the same venue at 7.35pm AEST later that evening.

The double-header is expected to feature a series of Sir Doug Nicholls Round activations throughout the Docklands precinct during the day.

"We are thrilled to be hosting back-to-back matches on Saturday in Sir Doug Nicholls Round next season," Marvel Stadium general manager Scott Fitzgerald said in a statement.

"We will look to activate throughout the Marvel Precinct and will work with all our stakeholders on delivering a great event for fans attending this special round."

[chef]

Is that our home game?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Since when do Carlton and essendon have an annual kings birthday eve match? Since last season? This crap is so contrived towards the big clubs.

[Happy Days]

Every year the AFL tries to pretend it’s really done something with the fixture. It’s horrible living in a sellers’ market.

[Axe Man]

Since when do Carlton amd essendon have an annual kings birthday eve match? Since last season? This crap is so contrived towards the big clubs.

Looks like it started in 2023. They played each other in that round in 2022 but it was on the Friday night. Both had byes in 2021.

So a long and storied tradition that has spanned generations. :rolleyes:

[The Underdog]

Thank god we play at Sedat Park in 2025. Thought we might miss out.
Open with a home game against North and 2 games total at the G including our home game against Collingwood.
Darwin and Canberra on top of 1 x Perth, Brisbane and Sydney trips.
No Adelaide Oval?
Finish with 2 x Home games against the WA teams.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Double ups are
North
Brisbane
Fremantle
GWS
Saints
Essendon

That's 2 from the top 6, 3 from the middle 6 and 1 from the bottom 6. I'm not sure how it's supposed to work but i thought it was 2 from each 6.

[Scraggers]

Bulldogs T&T beat me to it :)

[Axe Man]

Bulldogs to light up early rounds of 2025 fixture (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1692957/2025-fixture)

The Western Bulldogs will open their 2025 season with a trio of blockbuster night games in Melbourne, following confirmation of the 2025 AFL Premiership Season fixture today.

The primetime Friday night slot in Round 2 will see a historic 100-year celebration, with the red, white and blue army expected to turn up in record numbers to take on Collingwood at the MCG, the first Bulldogs home game at the venue since 2009.

But that?s not the only blockbuster game for Bulldogs fans to eagerly anticipate, with the Dogs? home turf at Marvel Stadium the stage for:

- A Saturday night opener against North Melbourne, the Club?s first Round 1 home game in five years,
- Another early Friday night clash, this time against Carlton in Round 3,
- An exciting new Easter Sunday night timeslot against St Kilda in Round 6,
- A Saturday night clash with Essendon in Sir Doug Nicholls Round, and
- An Elimination Final rematch against Hawthorn on Thursday Night in Round 13.

The Bulldogs will also play eight of their last 12 games at Marvel Stadium, providing fans and members a perfect opportunity to watch the red, white and blue at our home venue.

Mars Stadium in Ballarat will again be the venue for two home games, with the Bulldogs hosting Port Adelaide in Round 8 and the Adelaide Crows in Round 18.

Across the first nine rounds the Bulldogs will travel four times, facing Fremantle in Perth, the Suns in Darwin and the Giants in Canberra, with reigning premiers Brisbane the opposition at Norwood Oval during Gather Round in Adelaide.

Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said he was pleased with the fixture with a number of high-profile matches making for a mouth-watering start to the 2025 season.

?To begin with three massive games in Melbourne is a terrific opportunity for our loyal fans and members early in the campaign,? Bains said.

?As an entire Club, we are thrilled to celebrate our 100-year VFL/AFL anniversary in Round 2 against the Pies, giving us a wonderful opportunity to surpass our largest ever home-and-away crowd.

?We?re also excited by the chance to turn Easter Sunday into a marquee occasion against the Saints, before celebrating our Indigenous culture, past and present, in a prime-time clash against Essendon in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

?Our enduring connection to Victoria's west will continue in Ballarat and our home fixtures in front of the always passionate crowd at Mars Stadium are always eagerly anticipated.

?As we strive towards 70,000 members during a historic celebration of 100 years since our debut in the VFL, there really is no better time to sign up as a Bulldogs member and be a part of the special campaign ahead.?

[Axe Man]

Double ups are
North
Brisbane
Fremantle
GWS
Saints
Essendon

We got 2 from the top 6, 3 from the middle 6 (where we finished) and 1 from the bottom 6. This is in line with the weighted fixture where you get 2-3 from your bracket and 1-2 from the other 2 brackets.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

We got 2 from the top 6, 3 from the middle 6 (where we finished) and 1 from the bottom 6. This is in line with the weighted fixture where you get 2-3 from your bracket and 1-2 from the other 2 brackets.

We were top 6 right?

[Axe Man]

We were top 6 right?

Well if you ignore that Friday night calamity v the Hawks at the G. Has to be ladder positions after finals I would assume, like the draft.

[Scraggers]

12 at Marvel
2 @ the G
2 @ Mars
6 @ interstate (Darwin, Norwood, Manuka, SCG, Gabba, Optus)
1 @ Geelong

Last five rounds in Melbourne.

[Axe Man]

Would have thought GWS would have been a better option for Ballarat rather than Port or Crows who both attract half decent crowds to Marvel.

[jazzadogs]

Last five in Melbourne, including one at the G, is a good result.

Can't complain too much about the fixture. Let's go.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Well if you ignore that Friday night calamity v the Hawks at the G. Has to be ladder positions after finals I would assume, like the draft.

I had indeed ignored or at least erased it from memory.

[Eastdog]

12 at Marvel
2 @ the G
2 @ Mars
6 @ interstate (Darwin, Norwood, Manuka, SCG, Gabba, Optus)
1 @ Geelong

Last five rounds in Melbourne.

Only 2 MCG games. That is the ground where finals are played and you need to play that ground to win the premiership.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Only 2 MCG games. That is the ground where finals are played and you need to play that ground to win the premiership.

Yes I look forward to getting a home final again at a ground we play at twice.

I suppose we're just happy to be playing finals.

[Eastdog]

Yes I look forward to getting a home final again at a ground we play at twice.

I suppose we're just happy to be playing finals.

There needs to be a reasonable number of MCG games per season for clubs like us, Saints and Kangaroos particularly important if we are hosting a final there.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Carlton again get both kangaroos and West Coast twice.

[Sedat]

Pack you sunscreen in R18 when we play Adelaide at Mars Stadium. Should be a typical early July Ballarat scorcher.

Dills and Kane-o must have thought the stadium was located in actual Mars.

[Grantysghost]

Pack you sunscreen in R18 when we play Adelaide at Mars Stadium. Should be a typical early July Ballarat scorcher.

Dills and Kane-o must have thought the stadium was located in actual Mars.
That's just not cricket. Ballarat in July. Yuk.

[azabob]

12 at Marvel
2 @ the G
2 @ Mars
6 @ interstate (Darwin, Norwood, Manuka, SCG, Gabba, Optus)
1 @ Geelong

Last five rounds in Melbourne.

Those interstate games are just vomit worthy, plus a trip to Geelong.

If we can make Marvel a fortress and Ballarat that is 14 wins right there. Gotta, just gotta.

[azabob]

Last five in Melbourne, including one at the G, is a good result.

Can't complain too much about the fixture. Let's go.

Have you met the internet before?

[Grantysghost]

Ok draw. Happy.

Would like more at G.

[Prince Imperial]

Two games in 12 days after playing in the massive humidity in Darwin will be more than challenging.

Teams really should be given a bye after playing up there.

[Axe Man]

Two games in 12 days after playing in the massive humidity in Darwin will be more than challenging.

Teams really should be given a bye after playing up there.

The humidity isn't that bad in dry season when we play. Certainly warm and challenging conditions though. At least it's a full 7 day break to the Essendon game.

[Axe Man]

For those that think we should have more games at the MCG, how would this realistically occur?

The home game v Collingwood is a once off, not sure we have much chance of getting regular home games there.

For away games Collingwood, Melbourne, Richmond and Hawthorn are the options and the Pies and the Hawks play the odd home game at Marvel.

We will never play Essendon or Carlton there as their MCG games will always be against the bigger drawing clubs.

I understand the sentiment but I just don't know how we will ever get more than 2-3 MCG games per season.

[I'm Not Bitter Anymore!]

I think I'll go to the Darwin game - last time I went Griff was BOG so its been a while. For our WA woofers is it worth the trip to see us play Freo at Optus?

[hujsh]

For those that think we should have more games at the MCG, how would this realistically occur?

The home game v Collingwood is a once off, not sure we have much chance of getting regular home games there.

For away games Collingwood, Melbourne, Richmond and Hawthorn are the options and the Pies and the Hawks play the odd home game at Marvel.

We will never play Essendon or Carlton there as their MCG games will always be against the bigger drawing clubs.

I understand the sentiment but I just don't know how we will ever get more than 2-3 MCG games per season.

Geelong got 5. I'll take one of them thanks

[Axe Man]

Geelong got 5. I'll take one of them thanks

The difference being they play Carlton & Essendon there and we never will.

I'm not talking about fairness because we all know there is nothing fair about the fixture.

[Danny the snakeman]

For our WA woofers is it worth the trip to see us play Freo at Optus?

If you have never been here then definitely. Spewing only 1 game in WA next year.

[mjp]

For our WA woofers is it worth the trip to see us play Freo at Optus?

You get to see the guitar solo from the dude on the roof of the stadium and here thousands of people who don't know the rules scream "ball" every 2-seconds and cheer like maniacs every time Serong or (I shit you not) fan favourite Jeremy Sharpe go near it.

I love Perth but not sure I'd be coming for the footy!!

[Axe Man]

Winners and losers: Which clubs will benefit most from 2025 AFL fixture? (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/winners-and-losers-which-clubs-will-benefit-most-from-2025-afl-fixture/news-story/d1de70c46d5724cc91f01114a66eafb6)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Thursday night: 3 games
Friday night: 2 games
Timing: 2 day, 2 twilight, 10 night
Marquee match-ups: 100 year celebration v Collingwood (R2), Easter Sunday night v St Kilda (R6), Bailey Smith v Geelong (R11).
Plays twice: BL, Ess, Fre, GWS, NM, STK
Scheduled byes: OR, R12
What?s hot: Clubs love night-time exposure and only the Pies and Dons can match the Dogs with 10 night games.
What?s not: A tricky stretch of four road games in six weeks starting round 4, but that?s offset by no travel after round 19.
Fixture difficulty rating: 5/10
What we say: Only the one double-up against a bottom-three side in North Melbourne, but otherwise this is a pretty fair slate for the Western Bulldogs. A tough patch of travel in the first half of the season aside, there are few gremlins here and Luke Beveridge?s men only face two top eight teams twice.

[hujsh]

The difference being they play Carlton & Essendon there and we never will.

I'm not talking about fairness because we all know there is nothing fair about the fixture.

Could easily have the Richmond game. Swap our double up with North

[Axe Man]

Could easily have the Richmond game. Swap our double up with North

Easily? One change in the fixture would have one hundred knock-on effects.

Regardless I said I can't see how we get more than 2-3 games per year there.

[hujsh]

Easily? One change in the fixture would have one hundred knock-on effects.

Regardless I said I can't see how we get more than 2-3 games per year there.

Yeah, easy as. Let's not pretend the fixture is a delicate house of cards. It's a lego house with some random shit thrown on top.

[jeemak]

Geelong got 5. I'll take one of them thanks

Yeah that's only because everyone thinks it'd be great to see Geelong getting more games at the MCG. Even the unbiased ABC commentariat agrees Geelong getting more MCG games is good for football.

[azabob]

Yeah that's only because everyone thinks it'd be great to see Geelong getting more games at the MCG. Even the unbiased ABC commentariat agrees Geelong getting more MCG games is good for football.

I will leave it for Sedat to be a lot more eloquent with his view but surely it makes sense that two heavily government funded organisations are happy for each other.

[Eastdog]

In the situation we host a final at the G and if it’s against a non MCG tenant Victorian club or interstate club it’s not so much of advantage to the opposition but if it’s against an MCG tenant club it certainly is given they play there mostly during the season. There is a flaw there.

With the final for us this year we got screwed with the ticketing and really should have had more of the priority with that given it was a home final to make it more a Pro Bulldog crowd.

[angelopetraglia]

AFL teams' time on planes in 2025

Team Flights (return) Time in air

Fremantle Dockers 10 80 hr, 25 min
West Coast Eagles 10 77 hr, 5 min
Gold Coast Suns 12 63 hr, 30 min
Brisbane Lions 11 56hr, 0 min
Sydney Swans 11 48hr, 5 min
GWS Giants 11 42hr, 0 min
Hawthorn Hawks 10 38hr, 30 min
Adelaide Crows 10 38 hr, 25 min
St Kilda Saints 7 38 hr, 0 min
Melbourne Demons 7 36hr, 10 min
Port Adelaide Power 10 35hr, 45 min
Essendon Bombers 6 30hr, 20 min
North Melbourne Kangaroos 9 28hr, 45 min
Carlton Blues 6 26hr, 40 min
Collingwood Magpies 6 25hr, 10 min
Geelong Cats 6 23hr, 40 min
Richmond Tigers 6 23hr, 20 min
Western Bulldogs 6 19hr, 10min

Source: https://www.zerohanger.com/frequent-flyers-how-long-will-each-afl-team-spend-in-the-air-during-2025-156819/

[Grantysghost]

We even get ripped on frequent flyer points! This league!

[angelopetraglia]

We even get ripped on frequent flyer points! This league!

Ha ...

[Axe Man]

Some quality work from Port's social media department:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dra5wgf2V/

[Sedat]

I will leave it for Sedat to be a lot more eloquent with his view but surely it makes sense that two heavily government funded organisations are happy for each other.
Can't begin to explain the warm inner glow I feel when my 35 years (and counting) of taxpayer funds keep getting allocated to the likes of Shithole Park and the ABC.

That new multi-million $$ scoreboard will be epic.

[Grantysghost]

Can't begin to explain the warm inner glow I feel when my 35 years (and counting) of taxpayer funds keep getting allocated to the likes of Shithole Park and the ABC.

That new multi-million $$ scoreboard will be epic.
What do you think about the BIG infrastructure spend that ensures jobs for the cmfeu whilst never actually delivering a thing?

The new West gate tunnel will save me twenty minutes!

Well, it's cost me a million so you've got some catching up to do.

Don't invest in public transport in the west or anything right?

[Danny the snakeman]

You get to see the guitar solo from the dude on the roof of the stadium and here thousands of people who don't know the rules scream "ball" every 2-seconds and cheer like maniacs every time Serong or (I shit you not) fan favourite Jeremy Sharpe go near it.

I love Perth but not sure I'd be coming for the footy!!

LOL so true, tho eagles games are worse.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

What do you think about the BIG infrastructure spend that ensures jobs for the cmfeu whilst never actually delivering a thing?

The new West gate tunnel will save me twenty minutes!

Well, it's cost me a million so you've got some catching up to do.

Don't invest in public transport in the west or anything right?

What about those 1000s of potholes that can't get fixed because the weather hasn't been good enough for 4 years?

Also did anyone ask for the suburban loop?

[Eastdog]

My debut to Mars Stadium, Ballarat might come in 2025.

Considering going to the Round 8 game there against Port Adelaide considering we won’t be playing in Melbourne for a month after that Easter Sunday match against the Saints.

Woofers have described as a great old school feel back to those old Western Oval days.

[jeemak]

My debut to Mars Stadium, Ballarat might come in 2025.

Considering going to the Round 8 game there against Port Adelaide considering we won’t be playing in Melbourne for a month after that Easter Sunday match against the Saints.

Woofers have described as a great old school feel back to those old Western Oval days.

Eastie given you didn't get to experience the WO maybe it's something you're ready for.

If I was you I'd plan and take the train back and forth on the day, or even better, make a genuine weekend out of it. There's so much history in Ballarat and also really good contemporary Australian experiences in the region (food and wine in particular) that you could benefit from if you took your car.

You don't need to cop the high priced Ballarat accommodation because there's a football game on either, a few towns over there will be accommodation for you to enjoy if you want to spend a weekend away.