AFL abandons Opening Round in favour of 18-team Round One for 2027 season
- The AFL has abandoned the Opening Round fixture from the past two seasons, with all 18 clubs now set to play in Round One in 2027.
- The previous seasons saw the four teams based in New South Wales and Queensland play home games, while this year's draw also included one game at the MCG.
- The split fixture meant each of the teams that played in the Opening Round — also referred to as round zero — subsequently had an early season bye.
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- The AFL has abandoned the Opening Round fixture from the past two seasons, with all 18 clubs now set to play in Round One in 2027.
- The previous seasons saw the four teams based in New South Wales and Queensland play home games, while this year's draw also included one game at the MCG.
- The split fixture meant each of the teams that played in the Opening Round — also referred to as round zero — subsequently had an early season bye.
Sources: ABC Australia