For the first time since 2008, Richmond won't be opening the AFL season proper at the MCG against Carlton.
The AFL has instead gone with two interstate games in Round 1, with Sydney hosting Geelong on Wednesday, March 17, before Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs play the next night at Optus Stadium.
The first game at the MCG - which has been pushed back due to the 150th Anniversary Test (March 11-15) match between Australia and England - is on Friday, which will be a Preliminary Final rematch between Hawthorn and Brisbane.
The Tigers and Blues have been shunted to Saturday afternoon, 12:35pm (AEST) at the MCG.
The match will be the first time since Round 21, 2013, the two clubs have played each other on a Saturday afternoon.
"Since 2008, this fixture has become one of the marquee events on the AFL calendar, attracting an average crowd of over 80,000, major television audiences and helping launch the football season with the atmosphere only a packed MCG can provide," Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said.
"However, the AFL has been clear that this year's change is solely due to the MCG's availability, and we understand it is a one-year arrangement.
"While that doesn't lessen the frustration felt by our club and supporters, we appreciate the circumstances and look forward to this iconic fixture returning to its traditional Thursday night time slot next year.
"Regardless of the start time, Round 1 is a special occasion, and we know the Tiger Army will turn up in force and help create the atmosphere that has made Richmond v Carlton one of the biggest fixtures on the AFL calendar."
When Carlton released its Round 1 fixture to its supporters, the club acknowledged the history of the traditional clash against Richmond, stating the "annual pilgrimage to the MCG" drove more than 79,000 fans on average.
"It is the traditional rival in the first round of the season, with a different feel to what footy fans have experienced most years since 2008," a Blues post read.
The past four Round 1 encounters between the two clubs have been decided by 13 points or less, including a draw in 2023.
Round 1
Carlton vs Richmond
Date: Saturday 20 March, 2026
Time: 12:35pm AEDT
Venue: MCG
