AFL: Opening Round Back, Gather Round Schedule Out
It's back! The footy is back! The AFL season is officially underway, and with it comes the excitement of the Opening Round and the Gather Round. We're all hyped, and ready for another year of epic footy battles and nail-biting finishes.
But hold your horses, footy fans! There's a twist this year. The AFL has shaken things up with some changes to the schedule. Let's break down what's happening.
Opening Round: A Touch of Chaos
The Opening Round is kicking off with a bang, but not quite the way we're used to. The league's decided to mix things up, with a few matches spread across the first week of the season, leading into the Gather Round.
This means we'll have a couple of games to whet our appetites before the real chaos begins. Get ready for some early-season surprises, as teams try to shake off the rust and establish their game plans.
Gather Round: The Big One
The Gather Round is the real spectacle, and this year it's bigger than ever. The AFL is bringing all 18 teams to a single city, Melbourne, for a weekend of intense footy action. From Thursday, April 6th to Sunday, April 9th, the MCG and Marvel Stadium will be the battlegrounds for an unforgettable footballing fiesta.
This year's Gather Round promises to be electric, with fans from all over the country converging on Melbourne to witness the best of the best. It's a massive event, and it's set to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
The Schedule: Get Ready for the Action
The schedule is out, so get ready to mark your calendars and plan your footy feasts. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:
- Thursday, March 30th: The Opening Round kicks off with a classic match-up, Carlton vs Richmond at the MCG. Can the Blues get revenge for last year's heartbreaking loss, or will the Tigers roar back?
- Friday, March 31st: Two more exciting matchups to get your weekend started! The Western Bulldogs face off against the Brisbane Lions, while the Melbourne Demons take on the Gold Coast Suns.
- Saturday, April 1st: Three games for your Saturday delight! The Hawthorn Hawks battle the Sydney Swans, the Adelaide Crows meet the North Melbourne Kangaroos, and the Geelong Cats clash with the Collingwood Magpies.
- Sunday, April 2nd: The final game of the Opening Round is a huge one: St Kilda vs Essendon. The Saints will be out to prove they're a force to be reckoned with, while the Bombers will be looking for a strong start to the season.
Get Ready for the Gather Round:
- Thursday, April 6th: The Gather Round kicks off with a bang. The St Kilda Saints and Geelong Cats face off in a battle of the giants.
- Friday, April 7th: Three games, three different vibes! The Western Bulldogs take on the Sydney Swans, the Essendon Bombers face off against the Brisbane Lions, and the Gold Coast Suns clash with the Hawthorn Hawks.
- Saturday, April 8th: Get ready for a day of footy action. The Richmond Tigers take on the North Melbourne Kangaroos, the Adelaide Crows battle the Collingwood Magpies, and the Melbourne Demons clash with the Carlton Blues.
- Sunday, April 9th: The Gather Round finishes off with a bang. The Fremantle Dockers and the Port Adelaide Power face off in a Western Derby showdown.
Don't Miss a Moment:
This is the year to experience the AFL like never before. Whether you're a seasoned footy fan or a newbie to the game, the Opening Round and Gather Round are events you won't want to miss.
Get ready for some incredible football, passionate supporters, and memories that will last a lifetime. The AFL is back, and it's back with a bang. Go your team!