The first three games of the 2027 AFL season have all but been confirmed, with Sydney set to host Geelong at the SCG on March 17.
Hawthorn will renew pleasantries with Brisbane at the MCG on Friday, March 19, following arguably the best game in history in the 2026 preliminary final.
The Hawks will attempt to avenge the heartbreaking nine-point loss with fresh faces Zach Merrett and Ben King.
Hawthorn and Essendon wanted to play off in Round 1, as they have done in previous years, which would've had plenty of intrigue given Merrett's trade to the Hawks.
However, according to the Herald Sun, the preliminary final rematch looms as the primetime fixture on the Friday in Round 1.
AFL scrapped Opening Round after three years, with staggered starts not favoured by clubs and players.
The re-introduction of all nine games will still see a New South Wales flavour, with the Swans expected to start the new season against the Cats, according to the Herald Sun.
Sydney is also tipped to welcome back the players involved in the Pullman Hotel scandal, with the quartet expected to feature at the SCG.
New Cat Toby Greene is set to play in his 300th AFL match against Sydney.
On Thursday, Fremantle will host the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.
The Dockers went down brutally after coughing up four straight goals to Brisbane to lose the Grand Final.
Justin Longmuir's men remain strong favourites for the 2027 flag.
As for the Bulldogs, they landed Zak Butters as a free agent, ultimately boosting their midfield and making it arguably the best in the competition.
Luke Beveridge added much-needed depth options and role players, while the return of Sam Darcy should also boost the club's premiership chances.
Round 1 AFL fixture
Wednesday March 17 - Sydney v Geelong (SCG)
Thursday March 18 - Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Optus Stadium)
Friday March 19 - Hawthorn v Brisbane (MCG)
Saturday, March 20 - Richmond v Carlton (MCG)
Sunday, March 21 - North Melbourne v Port Adelaide (Marvel Stadium)
Date TBC - Adelaide v GWS (Adelaide Oval)
Date TBC: West Coast v Gold Coast (Optus Stadium)
Date, venue TBC - St Kilda v Collingwood
Date, venue TBC - Essendon v Melbourne
(according to the Herald Sun)
The AFL's interstate start is because the MCG will host the 150th Anniversary Test between Australia and England, which is due to finish on Monday, March 15.
Richmond and Carlton's traditional Thursday slot has been moved, with Saturday looming as its new home.
St Kilda and Collingwood will play again to begin their seasons, while Melbourne and Essendon are tipped to meet in Round 1.
North Melbourne is likely to host Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, while Adelaide will play in front of a home crowd against the Giants.
GWS aren't expected to play at the Sydney Showgrounds until Round 7 due to the Easter Show.
Gold Coast will make the long trip to Western Australia, where West Coast awaits them.
With the Suns and Lions travelling, no game will be in Queensland in Round 1.
