AFL confirms 2027 season structure and October Grand Final date

The AFL has announced that the 2027 premiership season will begin in mid-March with a traditional 18-team round one. This change marks the end of the Opening Round format that had been in place for the past three years. Because the season will start later than in previous years, the Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, October 2, at the MCG. The shift in the calendar was prompted in part by the 150th anniversary cricket Test match between Australia and England, which is set to take place at the MCG from March 11 to March 15. The home and away season will conclude on August 30, with Gather Round scheduled in South Australia from April 8 to April 11. Additional details regarding the pre-season schedule and the AAMI AFL Origin game remain forthcoming.

• 5:15 AMAFL — AFL makes call on Opening Round, Grand Final date for 2027