The AFL is pleased to announce Round One of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture.
In a return to tradition, long-time rivals Richmond and Carlton will open the season on Thursday March 16, followed by 2022 Premiers Geelong Cats hosting Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster and back-to-back games at the MCG to open the season.
Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs on Saturday night highlights a super Saturday with four matches across Marvel Stadium, Metricon Stadium, Adelaide Oval and the MCG.
A Hawthorn 1983 Premiership reunion at the MCG features on Sunday as the Hawks host the Bombers, the GWS Giants open at home against the Adelaide Crows and the round closes with St Kilda and their returned coach Ross Lyon hosting his former club Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
All Victorian-based clubs will play in Melbourne in Round One, with the MCG hosting games on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Marvel Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
No matches will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth in Round One due to an Ed Sheeran concert, with both Fremantle and West Coast to play at home in Perth in Round Two.
AFL EGM Clubs, Broadcast and Fixturing Travis Auld said the Round One fixture gets the home and away season off to a flyer.
“We are always aiming to get our season off to the best possible start, and with four big clubs, traditional rivalries, 150,000+ fans at the MCG over the first two nights and with millions more watching around the country, it gives the competition the best opportunity to kickstart the 2023 season,” Mr Auld said.
“It’s been a big year and come Round One the anticipation for the return of football will be palpable and bring not only Melbourne to life, but all the cities hosting matches in the opening rounds.”
Mr Auld said a 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final re-match was discussed as an option for round one but ultimately not fixtured in the best interests of the fans.
“After discussing a potential Grand Final rematch to open the season, it was determined in consultation with Geelong, the reduced capacity of GMHBA Stadium paired with a potential Wednesday night match in Melbourne, wasn’t the best option for Cats’ fans to travel up the highway for a midweek night match.
“The two WA-based teams understand the challenges with Optus Stadium hosting the Ed Sheeran concert, and we appreciate their understanding in both clubs starting their seasons on the road.
“Recent history has shown the competition is closer than ever, and we look forward to Round One setting the scene for what shapes to be thrilling and dramatic home and away season.”
Thursday, March 16
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.20pm AEDT, Seven
Friday, March 17
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT, Seven
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT, Fox
Port Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT, Fox
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Seven
Gold Coast v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 7.00pm AEST, Fox
Sunday, March 19
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT, Fox
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm AEDT, Seven
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEDT, Fox
The 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture for the first 15 Rounds, and then rounds, match ups and venues for the remaining home and away matches will be released later this week.
