If you’re anything like myself, it’s been a long 159 days since the grand final in September last year and after tediously counting down till the curtain raiser of the 2025 season, news across the week regarding the postponed fixture has left me gutted.
The footy season drought from October through to March is always a period dreaded by AFL fans across the country. After a summer of cricket and indulgence in other sporting codes, you begin to realise that nothing quite compares to the great game of Aussie Rules.
With the AFL’s controversial call to bring back Opening Round after last year’s inaugural event, there was much discussion around its relevancy and upheaval of the classic Carlton and Richmond curtain raiser that Victorian fans adore. Yet, the AFL proceeded to go ahead, set to play four games across the opening weekend in Queensland and New South Wales.
After a huge off-season of trade deals, drafting and horrifying pre-season injuries, it was finally time for the reigning premiers, the Lions, to unfurl the flag before taking on Geelong – Thursday night under lights at the Gabba. Yet, Cyclone Alfred had other plans…
The news of the encroaching cyclone during the week resulted in the AFL postponing both Queensland-based games until later in the season, consequently halting the season opener until Friday night’s clash between Sydney and Hawthorn at the SCG. As a result of these postponements, Opening Round is left to consist of a miserable-looking two games, both set to be played in New South Wales… the rugby league capital.
Jarrod Berry. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Fans across the league are outraged, calling Opening Round a “flop”, especially in comparison to the flashy Las Vegas extravaganza of the rival code. The NRL’s unique globalised strategy was originally laughed at by AFL fans alike, yet after some impressive viewing figures and entertaining games last week, maybe it’s time the AFL took a look at themselves.
Although it is undeniable that the AFL made the right decision to scratch the Thursday night and Sunday games in Queensland, it certainly is having a large impact on the industry, with the league predicted to lose approximately $1.7 million in total advertisements, sponsorships, ticketing and overall revenue.
The weird positioning of Opening Round has also left some questionable turnaround times for teams off the back of the Community Series pre-season schedule. The Sydney Swans played their practice match against the Gold Coast Suns last Friday night and are set to play this Friday in Opening Round, providing them with a swift seven-day turnaround.
Alternatively, all other teams, now including the Lions and Suns, don’t compete again until Round 1, resulting in over two weeks off from gameplay.
Damien Hardwick. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Although this demonstrates the adaptability of the athletes and the flexible nature of modern football, if it wasn’t for Opening Round, the teams and fans wouldn’t be playing the waiting game, providing yet another reason to fuel the debate to remove the divisive half-round.
Whilst it certainly wasn’t the initial intention of the AFL to cancel the season-opening games, many are calling this a ‘sign’ to remove the concept of Opening Round and return to the traditional curtain raiser we all know and love.
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Personally, I can’t wait for the footy season to get underway and waiting another day brings the total of its absence to a very long 160 days!
So, as we countdown the 24 hours that remain until the footy drought is finally over, the rain has started to pour on the 2025 AFL season, already causing some flooding tensions amongst fans, teams, media and the league leaving us all wondering… will the footy world sink or swim this season?
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