The anticipation is palpable as the 2025 AFL season is set to kick off on March 6 at the Gabba, where the Brisbane Lions will proudly unfurl their Premiership flag against Geelong. After finally breaking their 21-year drought for the Premiership trophy at the Grand Final last September, the Lions are poised to make history again, aiming to be the first team since Richmond to uphold their title.
Last year’s triumph also marked a significant end to Victoria's five-year Grand Final dominance, where teams like Richmond, Melbourne, Geelong, and Collingwood had previously raised the trophy. Collingwood, Carlton, and Essendon continue to lead the all-time Premiership table, each with 16 victories, but the dominance of non-Victorian teams has been notable, winning 13 out of the last 35 Grand Finals since the league transitioned from VFL to AFL.
This upcoming season is not without its challenges, particularly for notable teams like the Sydney Swans, who are rebuilding under new coach Dean Cox after John Longmire's departure. Following their heavy 2023 Grand Final defeat, the Swans are determined to rebuild and become competitive once again.
Yet, the coaching changes don’t stop there. The West Coast Eagles have also announced Andrew McQualter as their full-time head coach after his stint as caretaker last season. His first challenge lies within reviving the Eagles, who endured only ten victories over the past three seasons.
Alongside these coaching shifts, players will have something to get used to with new rules aimed at enhancing gameplay and safety. Stricter time limits for ball movement after marks aim to keep matches flowing more smoothly, and revised tackle regulations will be implemented to prioritize player safety.
The AFL is also undergoing significant changes with its broadcasting rights. The league has secured a seven-year, $4.5 billion deal with Seven Network, Foxtel, and Telstra—marking the biggest sports broadcasting agreement in Australian history. Through this deal, fans can expect three to four games shown weekly by Seven, alongside comprehensive coverage of finals matches.
For those outside Australia, there will be options, including Watch AFL, which provides live streaming for every match at varying subscription levels. This means fans around the globe can stay connected to the action, even if residing far from home.
Regaining the focus back to the season schedule, the Opening Round this year is stacked with excitement featuring four matches. The Brisbane versus Geelong clash is just one of the enticing matchups scheduled.
Here’s the full schedule for the opening week:
- Thursday, March 6 - Brisbane Lions vs Geelong, The Gabba, 7:50 PM AEDT
- Friday, March 7 - Sydney vs Hawthorn, Sydney Cricket Ground, 7:40 PM AEDT
- Saturday, March 8 - Gold Coast vs Essendon, People First Stadium, 4:15 PM AEDT
- Sunday, March 9 - Greater Western Sydney vs Collingwood, Engie Stadium, 3:20 PM AEDT
Beyond the opening week, the competition remains incredibly fierce with the scheduling moving forward. The 2025 season introduces Thursday night matches across 23 out of the 25 rounds, ensuring fans can enjoy more footy. Some teams will even participate in Sunday night matches during nine of the first 16 rounds.
Broken down, clubs will have varying paths throughout the season. For example, Carlton and Gold Coast are pegged as top contenders early on. Both teams face easier fixtures compared to heavyweights like Collingwood and Hawthorn, who kick off against last year’s finalists. The average finishing position of Carlton's first six opponents is 12.2, which provides them with potential forward momentum, whereas Collingwood will face more challenging opponents with an average of 4.3.
Both teams will need to navigate their respective challenges to maximize their potential. Alongside their own performances, other clubs must also be wary of new rivalries forming. The newly nuanced rules and revamped competition structure promise to keep every match engaging, creating rich narratives throughout the season.
Reflecting on the preparation leading up to the league commencement, coaches and analysts are paying careful attention to the trends and patterns from practice games and earlier community series encounters. The expectation is for exciting developments weekly as the clubs adapt to new dynamics and tactics.
This gripping narrative around the AFL is bound to fuel fans with excitement and anticipation as the 2025 season finally unleashes its long-awaited drama. Everyone will be watching closely, waiting to see if Brisbane can repeat history, or whether another team will rise to the occasion, forging new stories as the season progresses.
Stay tuned and witness which clubs will position themselves as the contenders or pretenders as we plunge deep again this March. The stage is set, and the fans are ready. Let the games begin!