The 2025 AFL Fixture has landed, with next year's draw again offering a handful of enticing matches that will see rivalries added to and players facing off against their former clubs.
Fans will immediately have certain fixtures circled on their calendar when the fixture drops, and we've made it easier for you by highlighting 10 of the best games to look forward to in 2025...
Brisbane vs Geelong
Opening Round
Thursday, March 6
Gabba
The season's opening match will be a must-watching viewing for all AFL fans, with the Lions and Cats - who produced arguably the game of the season on the penultimate Saturday of last season - kicking off 2025.
Geelong has every right to believe they should have earned a spot in the 2024 Grand Final in place of the eventual premier, being disrupted by illness and injury yet only falling agonisingly short of victory.
On the other hand, the Lions will likely debut their son-of-a-gun Levi Ashcroft in front of a raucous home crowd as they unfurl their premiership flag.
Sydney vs Brisbane
Round 1
Saturday, March 15
SCG
The Grand Final re-match never fails to captivate footy watchers, and there will be plenty riding on this one, particularly for a Sydney side looking to avenge their dismal defeat in the final match of 2024.
They will have their home crowd behind them, and several stars will be eager to make amends for their efforts on that dreaded Saturday afternoon.
Brisbane may not have a whole lot to prove, but it could begin the season with an early statement, particularly by potentially knocking off Geelong in Opening Round and warning the competition that we mightn't have seen the best of Brisbane yet, particularly as they welcome back Keidean Coleman and Tom Doedee.
Essendon vs Hawthorn
Round 1
Friday, March 14
MCG
These traditional rivals have claimed the Round 1 slot in recent seasons but with disappointing blowouts in Essendon's favour.
This time around, fans are in for a Friday night blockbuster, with Hawthorn almost guaranteed to start as favourites.
It seems we will quickly get used to the Hawks featuring in night-time slots in 2025, kicking off the season with back-to-back Friday night affairs, while the Bombers will be feeling the pressure to perform early, having made no notable list additions in the off-season.
Collingwood vs Port Adelaide
Round 1
Saturday, March 15
MCG
Houston may have an early season problem if the Pies can't knock off the Power in his first meeting with the old mob.
Collingwood has made a habit out of trouncing Port Adelaide at the MCG in recent seasons, but there will clearly be extra motivation for Ken's men this time around.
The Pies will either be fighting to prove they're back to their premiership best following an Opening Round win over GWS or fighting to avoid an early season struggle at 0-2.
Hawthorn vs GWS
Round 3
Saturday, March 29
UTAS Stadium
These two sides played out two of the best games of season 2024, with each claiming a tight victory in thrilling fashion.
Both clubs suffered heartbreaking semi-final losses, which ended their 2024 campaigns, and both will enter 2025 with realistic premiership expectations.
They are also renowned for playing with two of the most attractive styles in the league, displaying fast-paced transition with elite ball use and a fleet of small forwards that are tough to contain.
Collingwood vs Carlton
Round 4
Thursday, April 3
MCG
This list couldn't go without featuring a Carlton vs Collingwood blockbuster, especially when both teams are eyeing the grand prize at the end of the season and are more than capable of reaching it.
They played two thrillers last season, featuring a Nick Daicos match-winner and a set shot to decide the fate of Scott Pendlebury's 400th.
All indications point to both sides being genuine contenders yet again, so this match will have the entire nation hooked.
Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn
Gather Round
Sunday, April 13
Adelaide Oval
These clubs both have unfinished business to settle.
Hawthorn made their disapproval crystal clear following Ken Hinkley's post-match antics in their thrilling 2024 semi-final encounter.
Sam Mitchell, James Sicily and the brash young Hawks will be out for blood when they meet again at the same venue, where they are sure to cop an earful from the South Australian faithful.
The Power, on the other hand, have a point to prove after they couldn't repeat their success the following week, bowing out in the Preliminary Final to Sydney.
Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn
Round 13
Thursday, June 5
Marvel Stadium
The Elimination Final between these two may have been the most anticipated clash of the season, barring the decisive Grand Final, yet produced a shock Hawk domination.
We know Marcus Bontempelli will be eager to respond after dishing out perhaps his worst performance of the season in his biggest game of the year, but we also know Hawthorn won't make it easy.
Luke Beveridge will face pressure to prove a point against one of the best young minds in the game after being completely outdueled in September. If both sides are the contenders we expect them to be, this should be a classic.
Brisbane vs GWS
Round 14
Saturday, June 14
Gabba
The Giants are probably still rueing that semi-final defeat last season, coughing up a 44-point lead and another shot at a premiership they had every right to win.
Each side will believe they hold the edge over the other, with Brisbane's September victory following a Giant trouncing earlier in the season, where they left the Lions in their dust and spun them into their patch of premiership form.
Sam Taylor won't have to worry about Joe Daniher this time around, though the Lions will be up against it in their attempts to hold off Jesse Hogan from unleashing another forward 50 mauling.
Geelong vs Western Bulldogs
Round 11
Thursday, May 22
GMHBA Stadiumย
The first time any player comes up against his former side is a big event, but when you're arguably the biggest name in the competition, you know all eyes will be watching.
Bailey Smith made the switch from the Dogs to the Cats, with suggestions that this was in the works over 12 months ago.
Smith sat out the 2024 season with an ACL injury and recent memory struggles to serve fairly, given his long layover.
However, the former Pick 7 has indicated he's coming back with a vengeance to prove his worth at the elite level, albeit for another club.
All will be revealed in season 2025.
