The AFL will adjust its start to the season in 2024 and host an Opening Round in NSW and Queensland.
This will see matches played only in these states, ahead of a proper Round 1 the following week.
The Sporting News explains who will play in Opening Round and why it is happening.
MORE: AFL Injury List 2024: All the pre-season medical news, Supercoach tips
Which teams are playing in AFL Opening Round?
The AFL's teams in NSW and Queensland - Sydney, GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast - will host four matches to start the season in an Opening Round.
They will host the games against four marquee Melbourne teams - Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond and Melbourne - in a bid to maximise crowds and TV audience.
AFL Opening Round 2023
| Date/Time (AEDT) | Fixture | Venue |
| Thu Mar 7 7:20pm | Sydney vs. Melbourne | SCG |
| Fri Mar 8 7:50pm | Brisbane vs. Carlton | Gabba |
| Sat Mar 9 4.20pm | Gold Coast vs. Richmond | Heritage Bank Stadium |
| Sat Mar 9 7:30pm | GWS vs. Collingwood | Giants Stadium |
Why is the AFL is playing its 'Opening Round' in NSW and Queensland?
Aiming to grow the game in New South Wales and Queensland, the AFL has decided to start the 2024 season solely in those states.
With the NRL expanding its reach to Las Vegas the weekend before with two matches in the famous U.S city, the AFL is attempting to fire a shot in the war for attention in two of its developing regions.
On Thursday night, Brodie Grundy and James Jordon will face their former clubs as Sydney and Melbourne open the season.
There will be preliminary final rematches on Friday and Saturday night, with Brisbane hosting Carlton and GWS welcoming Collingwood.
The Saturday twilight fixture will see Damien Hardwick's return to coaching for Gold Coast against his former club Richmond.
With only these eight clubs in action, they will have a bye through rounds two-to-six to ensure the competition is even on games played by round seven.
The following weekend after 'Opening Round' will be a traditional round one fixture seeing Richmond and Carlton renew hostilities on Thursday night at the MCG.
