A PERFECT evening is forecast for Thursday night's season opener, but Gold Coast and North Melbourne could encounter thunderstorms at Cazalys Stadium on Saturday night.
Richmond is set to unfurl its premiership flag under a clear sky at the MCG, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a mostly sunny day and a top of 26 degrees on Thursday.
Can the AFL smash its R1 crowd figure again?
Both Richmond and the AFL are hopeful more than 90,000 fans will turn out to see the Tigers unfurl their premiership flag and potentially set a new round one attendance record, breaking the mark of 87,119 set by Carlton and Collingwood in 1995.
In a positive sign, the Melbourne Cricket Club has sold out its allocation of visitors' tickets for the game, indicating the members' reserve will be close to capacity.
A shower or two is forecast every day in Cairns this week before the Suns host the Kangaroos, with more showers expected and a possible thunderstorm on Saturday.
Hot conditions are expected in Adelaide for Sunday's clash between Port Adelaide and Fremantle, with a forecast maximum of 33 degrees. The clash starts at 4.05pm.
