AFL Scraps Opening Round After Fan Feedback
Australia's top football league just listened to its fans and ditched a controversial experiment that divided the season start. The AFL is bringing back the traditional format where all 18 teams kick off together in 2027.
After three years of criticism, Australian Football League boss Andrew Dillon announced the league is returning to its beloved traditional season opener.
The controversial "Opening Round" experiment featured only eight teams playing four games exclusively in Queensland and New South Wales before the rest of the season began. Fans and clubs criticized the staggered start and early-season byes that left half the teams sitting idle while others already had points on the board.
The decision marks a significant reversal for Dillon, who defended the concept just months ago as "key" to growing the sport in rugby league territory. He pointed to record attendances and membership growth in northern states to justify continuing the experiment.
But when feedback from fans and clubs kept pouring in, league leadership chose to listen. "After important feedback from fans and stakeholders, and consultation with clubs and broadcasters, round one will see the return of a traditional nine-game round played across the country," Dillon said.
The Bright Side
The AFL's willingness to reverse course shows something rare in professional sports: a league actually listening to what fans want. Rather than doubling down on a three-year investment that wasn't working for supporters, leadership acknowledged the experiment fell short and made the change.
The 2027 season will now kick off in mid-March with all 18 teams in action simultaneously, restoring the excitement of a unified opening weekend. The later start date accommodates a historic cricket Test match celebrating 150 years of the sport at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
South Australia's popular Gather Round remains locked in for April, showing the AFL can still explore innovative formats while respecting the traditions fans cherish. The grand final is scheduled for October 2, capping a 24-round season that now begins the way supporters have wanted all along.
Sometimes the best innovation is knowing when to bring back what already worked.
More Images
Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
Spread the positivity!
Share this good news with someone who needs it
