The AFL will open its 2024 campaign in New South Wales and Queensland in a historic beginning to the premiership season.
In a first for the league, Victoria won't host the opening game of the season with Sydney to welcome Melbourne to the SCG.
This will kickstart a four-match 'Opening Round' on the eastern seaboard featuring matches spread across Thursday March 7 to Saturday March 9.
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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.
AFL 'Opening Round' fixtures 2024
| 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 |
What the AFL said about 'Opening Round'
"We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and New South Wales a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to play these four games in key markets where footy continues to grow in popularity,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.
"The four match-ups are big, with four of our biggest supported Victorian clubs travelling north, and we look forward to starting our season with real momentum before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in round 1.
"Given this weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.
"We are driven to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire."
