The 2027 AFL season will kick off with the potential return of Sydney’s Pullman Four against Geelong at the SCG.
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon could run out for the Swans against the Cats having served their ban for breaching club standards while staying at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne in August.
The four, as well as new Roo Nick Blakey, sat out the Swans’ September campaign because of the suspension and an ongoing sexual assault investigation.
All 18 teams will feature in the return of a traditional round 1 starting on Wednesday, March 17.
The season will start away from the MCG to give ground staff a longer runway after the Anniversary Test cricket match between Australia and England from March 11-15.
Grand finalists Fremantle will then host Zak Butters’ Western Bulldogs in Perth on the Thursday before a heavyweight special at the MCG on the Friday.
Hawthorn and Brisbane will meet in a blockbuster bout, revisiting their preliminary final classic at the earliest opportunity.
There will then be a double-header at the G on Saturday, starting with Carlton and Richmond and finishing with Collingwood and St Kilda.
Blakey will play his first game for North Melbourne on the Sunday against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
The round will finish back west when West Coast Eagles roll out the welcome mat to Gold Coast Suns.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said a return to a nine-game round was a nod to the “best fans in the world”.
“We have listened to feedback and are pleased to be able to deliver a round 1 for all our 18 clubs and fans as we bring back a traditional nine-game opening weekend across the country,” Dillon said.
“The 2026 Toyota AFL premiership season was one to remember with some of the best footy of the modern era, which resulted in record crowd and broadcast numbers, and we are excited for what 2027 will bring.
“We have the best fans in the world. Their passion is unmatched and we see this round 1 fixture as delivering a perfect start the season.”
ROUND 1, 2027
Wednesday, March 17 | Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats, 7.30pm, SCG
Thursday, March 18 | Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs, 5.10pm, Optus Stadium
Friday, 19 March | Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions, 7.40pm, MCG
Saturday, March 20 | Richmond vs Carlton, 12.35pm, MCG
Saturday, March 20 | Adelaide Crows vs GWS Giants, 3.45pm, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, March 20 | St Kilda vs Collingwood, 7:40pm, MCG
Sunday, March 21 | North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide, 1.10pm, Marvel Stadium (KAYO)
Sunday, March 21 | Melbourne vs Essendon, 3.15pm, MCG
Sunday, March 21 | West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast Suns, 3:10pm, Optus Stadium