The AFL today announced it had settled on the key dates for the construction of the fixture for the 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, and was now in the process of detailed consultation with its broadcast partners, clubs, venues and other key stakeholders.

AFL General Manager Broadcasting, Scheduling and Major Projects Simon Lethlean said it was expected the fixture would be completed by the end of October, as per the schedule of recent seasons.

At today’s club CEOs conference in Melbourne, the AFL confirmed the 2015 season would start on Thursday April 2, 2015, across the Easter period, so that the AFL had access to all key venues after the conclusion of the cricket world cup. Clubs were told it was unlikely the AFL would schedule any game for Good Friday, despite being given the ability to so from the AFL Commission.

Due to the later start to the season, the 2015 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be played on Saturday October 3.

Clubs were also told there would be only one bye through the 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with each club to play their 22 games across a 23-week period, Mr Lethlean said.

“A standard round, as part of our agreement with the Seven Network and Foxtel/FOX FOOTY, will continue to feature one Friday night match, two Saturday afternoon matches, one Saturday twilight match, two Saturday night matches, one early Sunday match, one Sunday afternoon match and one Sunday twilight match,” Mr Lethlean said.

The key dates for the 2015 Toyota AFL Premiership Season have therefore been set as follows:

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