AFL Fixture whispers: Season opener, First Gather Round matches, Easter and Ballarat shake-ups revealed

The AFL has reprised its Opening Round concept for the 2026 season, making it the third straight year with a strong focus on the northern states.

However, next season will be a bit different, with St Kilda hosting Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday, March 8 at 7:20pm (AEDT), the eve of the Labour Day public holiday.

The Pies have been involved in the past two iterations, taking on GWS in Sydney.

As for the Saints, they have forced their way into the spotlight following their ultra-aggressive trade and free agency period, securing Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni from Carlton, as well as acquiring contracted duo Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan.

St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena said that the fixture is a strong affirmation of the club's new direction.

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"We're really proud to be part of Opening Round. It's great recognition of the growth of our football club and reflects the excitement of where we're heading,” Dilena said.

"To be kicking off our season at the MCG, the home of footy, in such a signature game is a big statement. As a club, we relish the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage.

"We've worked hard to earn opportunities like this, and there's real momentum building around this group. We've refreshed our list, added exciting talent, and we're confident in the direction we're heading."

Brisbane, Gold Coast, GWS and Sydney are all expected to host matches in front of home crowds during that weekend.

The Swans have been confirmed to host Carlton on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30pm.

The Blues have previously featured in Opening Round, taking on Brisbane in 2024 before sitting out last year's edition, as did Melbourne and Richmond.

Essendon, Geelong and Hawthorn were the clubs, along with Collingwood, who began their 2025 campaign in Opening Round.

More fixture whispers include the Saints being replaced by Essendon on the Easter Sunday evening clash against the Bulldogs.

Channel 7's Mitch Cleary reported that the Bombers will snare the primetime contest in 2026.

The AFL has confirmed that the Bulldogs will miss out on their games in Ballarat due to the ongoing construction, and instead will see three pre-season games to make up for the forced change.

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News Corp also revealed that Adelaide will continue to open Gather Round, and will host Carlton at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Port Adelaide will close the weekend of football, taking on St Kilda on the Sunday evening.

The Asian Cup will have a major effect on West Coast and Fremantle, with both clubs unable to play in front of their home crowds in the opening two weeks of the season.

The Eagles and Dockers will feature in Round 1, but will be on the road as the Matildas kick off their tournament a week earlier at Optus Stadium. A fortnight later, the Asian Cup will host a semi-final at the 60,000-seat ground.

Albeit a gap in between the two matches, tournament regulations dictate that stadiums are handed over to the AFC for exclusive use at least 10 days before its first match and until two days after the last match.

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