The 2024 AFL season fixture has now been released, with blockbuster matches set across the upcoming season.
A Grand Final rematch, players facing their old clubs, leading rivalries and coaches going up against their old sides, there is no doubt that the 2024 season will be entertaining.
While there are the traditional must-see matches, including the King's Birthday, Easter Monday and Anzac Day, the 2024 season also has plenty of other matches which will provide their own stories.
After the success of Gather Round in 2023, 2024 Gather Round will be played again in South Australia come Round 4.
As the fixture drops for season 2024, we've had a look at some of the can't-miss clashes that are a must-watch.
Sydney Swans vs Melbourne
Opening Round
Thursday, March 7
SCG
Brodie Grundy's first match against his former club will be a must-watch game and will double as the first game of the new season.
The 29-year-old only played 17 games with Melbourne in his first season with them, after coach Goodwin revealed the two-ruckman setup did not work out as planned.
The former Magpie was dropped to the VFL for several weeks and will be looking to make his place known next year when he dons the red and white.
Grundy will be eager to have a huge game against his former side and beat Max Gawn in the ruck.
GWS Giants vs Collingwood
Opening Round
Saturday, March 9
GIANTS Stadium
The preliminary final rematch will be big a game to watch and will commence in the opening round of the season.
The first preliminary final was one of the most exciting games in 2023, with the Pies defeating the Giants by one point.
The Giants will be eager for redemption and get a win against the regaining premiers.
Gold Coast Suns vs Richmond
Opening Round
Saturday, March 9
Heritage Bank Stadium
Another opening round encounter will see Damien Hardwickย keen to get a win over his old club.
Hardwick joined the Suns after coaching Richmond from 2010-2023, leading the Tigers to three premierships.
The Suns had an average season last year after the sacking of Stuart Dew, while Hardwick will be eager for the Suns to put their strong pre-season into playing competitive footy and potentially booking their first finals finish.
The match will also see the Tigers' new era under Adem Yze get underway, with the former Demons star looking to have an instant impact in his first senior coaching role.
Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood
Round 3
Thursday, March 28
The Gabba
One of the most anticipated games of the season will be the AFL 2023 Grand Final rematch.
The 2023 Grand Final was one of the best seen in the modern era. The Lions will be out for redemption, with the Pies eager to maintain their strong form in the 2024 season.
Both clubs were fairly active in the off-season, however, their best 22 will remain pretty similar to both of their Grand Final sides.
Adelaideย vs Portย Adelaide
Round 8
Thursday, May 2
Adelaide Oval
The South Australia Showdown is always guaranteed to be a great match and this year should be no different.
After Adelaide was unlucky to miss the top 8 in the 2023 season, they will be keen to get a win against their South Australian rivals in their first of two meetings.
The Crows are expected to contend next year, while the Power will be hoping their busy off-season has them in good stead after a straight-sets exit in September.
Sydney vs GWS
Round 8
Saturday, May 4
SCG
The Sydney Derby is always a huge game, with cross-town rivals bringing their utmost competitiveness to the game.
Withย the likes of Toby Greene and Errol Gulden, both are guaranteed to have a great game, and both sides will have to shut these players down to get a win.
Currently, the Swans have the upper hand, having won 16 of their 26 meetings with the Giants.
Carlton vs Collingwoodย
Round 8
Friday, May 3
MCG
The last time these two meant was in a packed MCG in Round 20, which left Pie fans heartbroken after the Blues won by 17 points.
With both these clubs having a strong history and rivalry, whenever they play each other the intensity goes to another level.
There is no doubt this game will be fierce and a must-watch game, as most likely 90,000 fans will flood the MCG to see two of this year's best sides go at it.
Essendon vs North Melbourne
Round 10
Sunday, May 19
Marvel Stadium
Marvel Stadium rivals, this game will be a must-see match as it could feature potentially two ex-North Melbourne players against their old club.
Both Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein moved to Essendon during the free agency window this off-season and will add to the Bombers-Roos rivalry. They were both pivotal players for North, so it will be fascinating to see how the Roos adapt to not having McKay and Goldstein on their team and being on the opposing team.
Collingwood vs Melbourneย
Round 13
Monday, June 10
MCG
These teams in recent years have forged a big rivalry from their on-field to off-field antics.
The game is set to be fierce after Steven May's comments about the Pies following their GF win, and since they both played in the 2023 qualifying Final where Brayden Maynard collided with Angus Brayshaw knocking him out cold, this one will be heated.
Both teams will be eager to get the upper hand over the other, getting the win and four points in the crucial King's Birthday clash.
Hawthorn vs Collingwood
Round 19
MCG
Jack Ginnivan's first clash against his former team will come in Gather Round away from Victoria, so it'll be the two sides' next meeting that will be a must-see match.
It's highly anticipated how the Collingwood faithful fan base will react to Ginnvian's move to the Hawks. Ginnivan was drafted to the Pies in 2020 and played 42 games for club and was part of their premiership team in 2023.
Ginnivan grew up as a Hawks supporter and will be fulfilling this lifelong dream to play for the club, with an intriguing reaction to come from the Magpies faithful.