THE AFL is pleased to confirm the fixture for Round One of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
Round One will feature all 18 clubs in a return to the traditional nine-game round of football that will see matches played in New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.
The round will be played across five days from Wednesday 17 March to Sunday 21 March.
The Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats will open the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season at the SCG on the Wednesday night.
Fremantle hosts the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, before Hawthorn and three-time reigning premier the Brisbane Lions clash in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG in a rematch of the 2026 preliminary final.
The MCG will then play host to a Saturday double-header with Richmond hosting Carlton in the afternoon, followed by St Kilda vs Collingwood at night.
The Adelaide Crows will host the GWS GIANTS at Adelaide Oval in a Saturday twilight clash.
North Melbourne will kick off 2027 in front of its faithful when it hosts Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in the early Sunday afternoon slot, before Melbourne and Essendon do battle at the MCG later that day.
The Gold Coast SUNS travel west to take on the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium in the final match of the round.
The 2027 season start date is later than normal due to the MCG hosting the 150th anniversary Test match between Australia and England from March 11-15.
AFL access to the MCG for the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season begins from Friday 19 March.
Round One will see four games broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus and all nine games available live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel and WatchAFL streaming platforms.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said he was delighted to confirm how the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will launch.
“We have listened to feedback and are pleased to be able to deliver a Round One for all our 18 clubs and fans as we bring back a traditional nine-game opening weekend across the country,” Dillon said.
“The 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season was one to remember with some of the best footy of the modern era, which resulted in record crowd and broadcast numbers, and we are excited for what 2027 will bring.
“We have the best fans in the world. Their passion is unmatched and we see this Round One fixture as delivering a perfect start the season.”
The 2027 Gather Round fixture was unveiled yesterday, with all 18 clubs to descend on South Australia for all nine matches in Round Four.
2027 AFL ROUND ONE FIXTURE
Wednesday 17 March | Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats, 7:30pm, SCG (SEVEN)
Thursday 18 March | Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs, 5:10pm, Optus Stadium (SEVEN)
Friday 19 March | Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions, 7:40pm, MCG (SEVEN)
Saturday 20 March | Richmond vs Carlton, 12:35pm, MCG (KAYO)
Saturday 20 March | Adelaide Crows vs GWS GIANTS, 3:45pm, Adelaide Oval (KAYO)
Saturday 20 March | St Kilda vs Collingwood, 7:40pm, MCG (KAYO)
Sunday 21 March | North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide, 1:10pm, Marvel Stadium (KAYO)
Sunday 21 March | Melbourne vs Essendon, 3:15pm, MCG (SEVEN)
Sunday 21 March | West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast SUNS, 3:10pm, Optus Stadium (KAYO)
*All times local
TICKETING
Tickets for Round 1 of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will go on sale at a later date, with details to be communicated in advance.
