Brisbane to kick off new AFL season in blockbuster clash against Geelong
7NEWS reporter Kate Massey revealed the two AFL heavyweights will clash at the Gabba on Thursday night, March 6, to kick off the Opening Round.
It will be a repeat of this year’s thrilling preliminary final, which the Lions won by 10 points after kicking two goals in the final five minutes.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Brisbane then went on to demolish Sydney in the grand final to cap a remarkable comeback from starting the year with three straight losses.
The club will unfurl their flag in front of their home fans for what will no doubt be a sellout crowd against the Cats.
The two teams have enjoyed a healthy rivalry in the past five years, having squared off in three preliminary finals.
The Opening Round concept returns again next year after making its debut in 2024.
This year’s runners-up Sydney will host Hawthorn on the Friday night, while Gold Coast will host Essendon in a Saturday twilight fixture before the weekend wraps up with GWS hosting Collingwood on Sunday afternoon.
Richmond and Carlton, after both being involved in Opening Round last year, will begin their 2025 seasons against each other in the traditional Thursday night clash to start the nine-game Round 1 slate.
“After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in Round 1,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.
“Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland — all four clubs saw more than 10 per cent growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17 per cent this year.
“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 create Opening Round and we are thrilled these venues are available to us again for next year.
“Given this Opening Round 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 continue to strive 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.
“I would like to thank our venues and the clubs for supporting our Opening Round vision.”
The full 2025 fixture will be released later this week.
The AFL unveiled the Gather Round schedule on Monday, locking in Port Adelaide and Hawthorn for their first clash since their infamous semi-final tussle.
The Hawks will return to the Adelaide Oval on April 13, seven months after the Power ended their unexpected AFL finals run.
But Port’s thrilling three-point win is best remembered for the fiery post-game confrontation between Power coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn captain James Sicily.
Outspoken Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan had fired up Port in the days before the game when he posted a five-word comment to Sydney ruckman, and former Collingwood teammate, Brodie Grundy.
Hinkley and Port, who were embarrassed in a qualifying final mauling by Geelong, took the “see u in 14 days” comment personally, admitting to using the sledge as motivation.
After the heart-stopping win, Hinkley shouted to Ginnivan “he’s not flying anywhere”, prompting Sicily to fire angrily back at the Port coach.
The war of words even extended into the guard of honour for Hawthorn great Luke Breust, who had just played his 300th game.
The rematch always promised to be one of the more eagerly anticipated games of 2025, but the Sunday night match will ensure the third Gather Round closes in style.
Opening Round 2025
Thursday, March 6
Brisbane v Geelong, Gabba
Friday, March 7
Sydney v Hawthorn, SCG
Saturday, March 8
Gold Coast v Essendon
Sunday, March 9
GWS v Collingwood
Gather Round 2025
Thursday, April 10
Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval
Friday, April 11
Collingwood v Sydney, Adelaide Oval
Saturday, April 12
Carlton v West Coast, Adelaide Oval
North Melbourne v Gold Coast, Barossa Park
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane, Norwood Oval
Essendon v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
Sunday, April 13
Richmond v Fremantle, Barossa Park
St Kilda v GWS, Norwood Oval
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
- With AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
