Exciting Start to the 2024 AFL Season with Opening Round Fixtures in Queensland and New South Wales

Are you ready for the action to begin?

The 2024 AFL season is set to kick off in a thrilling manner, with four fixtures scheduled in Queensland and New South Wales a week before the traditional Carlton-Richmond clash in round one. This ‘Opening Round’ will see clubs from the northern states host their Victorian rivals, providing an excellent opportunity for footy to grow in popularity in these markets.

The 2024 AFL season will commence with a series of captivating matches, as the northern states play host to Victorian clubs in the Opening Round. This unique opportunity to bring footy to key markets is highly anticipated by fans.

The action will kick off at the iconic SCG on Thursday, March 7, with a clash between Sydney and Melbourne. This match promises to set the tone for an exciting season ahead.

Following this, teams from New South Wales and Queensland will showcase their strength as they welcome their Victorian rivals. Fans can expect intense battles and passionate support throughout the Opening Round fixtures.

One of the highlight match-ups will be between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton at the Gabba on Friday night. This game is sure to draw a large crowd, as both teams aim to make a strong start to their campaign.

Another thrilling encounter will take place at Carrara Stadium, where the Gold Coast Suns will face off against the mighty Richmond Tigers. This match will be particularly significant for newly appointed coach Damien Hardwick, as he squares off against his former club.

Meanwhile, GWS Giants will have the home ground advantage as they take on the reigning premiers, Collingwood, at Giants Stadium. Expect a fierce battle between these two powerhouses of the game.

These Opening Round fixtures not only provide entertainment for footy fans, but also serve as an opportunity for the AFL to expand its presence in the northern markets. With the growing popularity of the sport in Queensland and New South Wales, this move is strategic and promises to generate excitement among local supporters.

After the Opening Round, the season will continue with a full set of nine matches in round one, starting with the highly anticipated clash between Carlton and Richmond on Thursday, March 14. This round will feature top teams from across the league competing in electrifying encounters, setting the stage for a thrilling season.

To ensure fairness among all teams, the eight clubs participating in the Opening Round will have a bye between rounds two and six. This will enable all 18 teams to have an equal number of games played by the start of round seven.

Additionally, round four has been designated as ‘Gather Round,’ where all clubs will come together for a full set of fixtures in South Australia. This special round will bring the entire AFL community together, creating a sense of unity and celebration of the sport.

With an exciting start, captivating fixtures, and a strategic focus on expanding into new markets, the 2024 AFL season promises to be one filled with thrilling moments, fierce competition, and passionate supporters.

So, are you ready for the action to begin?

• The 2024 season will begin with a Sydney-Melbourne clash at the SCG on Thursday, March 7.
• The Opening Round will feature NSW and Queensland-based teams hosting Victorian clubs.
• The AFL hopes to capitalize on the northern markets by scheduling these four games.
• The four match-ups are highly anticipated, involving some of Victoria’s most supported clubs.
• Carlton will face Richmond on Thursday, March 14, marking the start of a full set of nine matches in round one.
• The eight teams participating in the Opening Round will have a bye between rounds two and six to ensure all 18 teams have played an equal number of games by round seven.
• Round four has been designated as ‘Gather Round,’ where all clubs will meet for a full set of fixtures in South Australia.

The 2024 AFL season is set to kick off in style, with the Opening Round featuring matches in Queensland and New South Wales. This unique opportunity allows the AFL to reach new audiences and showcase the sport’s popularity in the northern markets. Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, star players, and a thrilling atmosphere throughout the season. So, get ready to witness the excitement unfold on the footy grounds!