Hawthorn faces Brisbane in Friday night clash to open 2027 AFL season

Hawthorn will take on Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night, March 19, 2027, in the opening round of the AFL season. This matchup offers the Hawks a chance to avenge their preliminary final loss to the Lions from September 2026. The round kicks off with Sydney facing Geelong at the SCG on Wednesday, March 17. Other matchups include Fremantle hosting the Western Bulldogs and Richmond playing Carlton at the MCG on Saturday. This season's commitment to traditional round one fixtures follows the scrapping of the recent Opening Round concept, allowing all teams to participate from the start.

• 12:59 AMAFL — Round one fixture revealed: Rare MCG double header, Hawks v Lions on Friday night