AFL release 2019 fixture schedule

AFL General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said the fixture was constructed with the aim of enabling fans to access the game in strong numbers, ensuring that all clubs received as balanced a fixture as possible via the weighted match-up rule and continuing to build the AFL game as the number one code in this country.

“The industry is coming off the back of a record-breaking season in attendance, membership and participation. We acknowledge the role the fixture plays in growing the game across all states, territories and communities," he said.

“Over seven million fans attended a game across the 2018 Toyota Premiership season and Finals Series. The support of our fans and the great work of our clubs and players is why our game continues to grow.”

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Key features of the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Fixture include:

Thursday and Friday night matches

Season 2019 will deliver eight Thursday night blockbuster match-ups, compared to seven in 2018.

The season will begin with five Thursday night matches in the first five rounds building considerable momentum into the start of the season. Traditional rivals Carlton and Richmond open the season on Thursday March 21. This Opening Round match up has averaged over 80,000 fans at the MCG in the last five years, including over 90,000 fans in 2018.

In Round 2, Richmond and Collingwood will square off at the MCG, followed by the Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats in Round 3 three at the Adelaide Oval, Sydney Swans vs Melbourne at the SCG in Round 4, and the return of the Thursday night of the Easter Weekend matchup at the GABBA, as the Brisbane Lions host Collingwood.

These high-profile Thursday night matches at the start of the season create early excitement, help build momentum and provide greater promotional opportunities for the competition in key television timeslots, with the three remaining Thursday night matches to be played from Rounds 13-15 encompassing the period around the bye break for all clubs.

The Adelaide Crows host Richmond at the Adelaide Oval in Round 13 followed by the reigning Premiers the West Coast Eagles and Essendon at Optus Stadium in Round 14. The Bombers will then play back-to-back Thursday nights hosting the GWS GIANTS in Round 15 at MARVEL Stadium.

All eight of these Thursday night matches will be broadcast live on Channel 7, FOX FOOTY and the AFL Live App thanks to Telstra

The Thursday night schedule was assisted by the introduction of five-day breaks for the first time, delivering increased flexibility in scheduling affording the opportunity to deliver improved competitive match ups for fans.
“It was important to find the balance of Thursday night matches, taking into account the ability for families and regional fans in particular to attend games, days breaks for the teams and the right match ups at the right venues,” Mr Auld said.

Collingwood have a combined nine Thursday and Friday night games, Richmond, the Sydney Swans, the Adelaide Crows and Essendon have six games, Hawthorn five games, and a group of clubs including the Geelong Cats, Port Adelaide and reigning Premiers the West Coast Eagles have four games.

Five-day breaks

“The five-day break provides flexibility in the fixturing process to help deliver our fans the best games in the biggest timeslots. The AFL thanks the players, the clubs and the AFLPA for coming to an agreement to make this happen,” Mr Auld said.

In 2017 there were 103 six-day breaks, 2018 had 100 six-day breaks, and 2019 will see a mixture of 100 five / six-day breaks (to the end of Round 22 of each season).

The following eight clubs will play with a five-day break, with all parameters (below) being met.

An example of this fixture being across Rounds 3 and 4.

The Geelong Cats take a five-day break from Round 2 into Round 3, to play the Adelaide Crows on the Thursday, who themselves have a six-day break. Geelong will then have a nine-day break into Round four.

In Round four, the Sydney Swans take a five-day break to play Melbourne on Thursday, who themselves are coming off a six-day break. Sydney will then have a nine-day break into round five.

In the preceding week to the five-day break, both the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans will have had an eight-day break.

5-day break parameters (supported by AFLPA):

1. A maximum of one five-day break per club (inclusive of matches scheduled around public holidays, eg ANZAC Eve/Day)
2. A minimum seven-day break on either side of a five-day break (i.e. minimum 7-5-7)
3. A maximum six-day break for the opposition team
4. The provision of two consecutive days off for all players over the weekend following a five-day break (or other time in that week where agreed by player and club)
5.  In relation to travel: 

   a.      No five-day break as part of a double travel

   b.      No five-day break travelling out of Perth 

   c.       Travel into a five-day break subject to players having a minimum five nights in their own bed (where a team has travelled the week before)

   d.      Travel acceptable out of a five-day break (noting this would be into a minimum seven-day break)

Featured Games / Rounds

Opening Round – Round One
Carlton host Richmond in a Thursday night MCG season opener that also sees Carlton’s Marc Murphy and Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt both play their 250th game, whilst Richmond full back Alex Rance plays game 200.

The first Friday night clash of 2019 sees last season’s runners-up Collingwood hosting the Geelong Cats in a blockbuster at the MCG.

2018 AFL Premiers, the West Coast Eagles, start their season on the road at the GABBA under lights against the resurgent Brisbane Lions.

The Western Bulldogs will play the first match for premiership points at the relaunched MARVEL Stadium when they host the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.

The GWS GIANTS kick off their season with a home clash against Essendon, which provides former GIANT Dylan Shiel his first opportunity against his former side while wearing the red and black.

Fremantle hosts the first Toyota Premiership Season match at Optus Stadium in 2019 against North Melbourne, with both teams bolstered after a busy NAB AFL Trade Period.

Premiers flag unveiling – Round Two
The 2018 AFL Premiers the West Coast Eagles unfurl the Premiership Flag on their return to Optus Stadium in a blockbuster clash against the GWS GIANTS on Saturday night, which doubles as Eagles’ skipper Shannon Hurn’s 250th match.

Grand Final rematch – Round Three
Round three will see the West Coast Eagles return to the scene of their 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final victory in a mouth-watering Grand Final rematch against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday April 6 with the Eagles having their turn to host Collingwood at Optus Stadium in Round 17 on Friday July 12.

WA Derby – Round Four
On Saturday night April 13, Optus Stadium will be lit up in the season’s first derby between Western Australian rivals the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle.

Easter Round – Round Five
A bumper Easter Round commences with the Brisbane Lions hosting Collingwood on Thursday night, April 21, at the GABBA, with former Lions captain Dayne Beams making his return to Queensland for the first time since returning to the Magpies.

A double-header on Good Friday will see matches on both sides of the country.

North Melbourne will host Essendon at MARVEL Stadium, commencing at 4:20pm AEST. This timeslot will work in with Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal on Channel 7.

The West Coast Eagles will then host Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium, commencing at 8:10pm AEST, 6:10pm AWST.

The Adelaide Crows host the Gold Coast SUNS on Easter Sunday, with Crows’ champion forward Eddie Betts due to play game number 300.

Modern day rivals Hawthorn and the Geelong Cats meet on Easter Monday for another epic encounter at the MCG, with four-time premiership Hawk Grant Birchall due to play his 250th game.

ANZAC Day Eve – Round Six
Melbourne and Richmond will continue what is becoming one of the great spectacles of the year at the MCG, 7:35pm. Both teams have a four-day break leading into the match – each of these Clubs have minimum eight-day breaks leading into the Round prior and ten days break following.

ANZAC Day – Round Six
Thursday April 25, Collingwood and Essendon meet for the 25th time on ANZAC Day.
Collingwood have a seven-day break lead-in and Essendon a six-day.

QClash & Battle of the Bridge – Round Six
The Gold Coast SUNS will be out to claim local bragging rights in the first QClash of the season held at Metricon Stadium Round 6, Saturday April 27, when they host the Brisbane Lions. While the Sydney Swans host the GWS GIANTS at the SCG.

First match in Launceston – Round Six
Hawthorn are to host Carlton at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Round six in the first of four home matches in Launceston.

Len Hall Tribute Match – Round Six
Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs play in the traditional Len Hall tribute match on Saturday night before a national audience as Docker David Mundy is due to become only the second Fremantle player to play 300 games

MARVEL Stadium Friday night lights – Round Seven
MARVEL Stadium hosts its first Friday night game of the season as Collingwood takes on Port Adelaide in what shapes to be Travis Boak’s 250th game for the Power.

Country match – Round Seven
The Geelong Cats have hosting rights for the first time in the fourth-consecutive Country Match at the MCG on Sunday afternoon against Essendon.

SA Showdown – Round Eight
Another epic showdown encounter is on its way in Round 8 with Port Adelaide hosting the Adelaide Crows on Saturday May 11 before the two clubs return meeting in Round 16.

First match in Hobart – Round Nine
North Melbourne will play their first of four home games at Blundstone Arena, hosting the Sydney Swans on Saturday May 18. The first of four games in 2019 for North Melbourne who are increasing their commitment from three games.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round – Rounds 10 and 11
A two-week celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their contribution to football commences with the Sydney Swans hosting Collingwood in the Marn Grook game on Friday night at the SCG. Swans’ superstar Lance Franklin is due to play his 300th game.

This will be the thirteenth year the AFL has celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through the vehicle of sport and the fourth time the Round has been celebrated since being renamed after Sir Doug Nicholls.

The MCG will host the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash as Richmond host Essendon in a Saturday night blockbuster.

Melbourne returns to Darwin once again, an annual event since 2010, hosting the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium.

Shanghai match – Round 11
In Round 11, Sunday June 2, St Kilda will host Port Adelaide at Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai, China. Each team will have a minimum seven-day break lead-in and both teams will have a bye in Round 12.

Queen’s Birthday – Round 12
For the first time in 20 years, Collingwood will host the home match against Melbourne at the MCG in the traditional Queen’s Birthday holiday Monday afternoon match.

Townsville Match – Round 13
The Gold Coast SUNS will host St Kilda at 1.45pm AEST on Saturday June 15 - the first match in Townsville for Premiership points, after Cairns’ Cazalys Stadium has hosted matches for the past eight seasons

Nine matches return - Round 15
Nine match rounds return as Thursday night football heads under the roof for the first time in 2019 as Essendon hosts the GWS GIANTS at MARVEL Stadium.

The Gold Coast SUNS return to the venue of their incredible 2018 upset when they face the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Saturday June 29, with Michael Rischitelli due to play his 250th game.

St Kilda hosts Richmond at MARVEL Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the fourth-consecutive Maddie’s Match, supporting Maddie’s Vision.

Alice Springs match – Round 18
After a successful 2018 event, Melbourne host the reigning AFL Premiers West Coast Eagles at TIO Traeger Park on Sunday June 21. This is first time the Eagles will play a match for Premiership points in Alice Springs.

New Blue - Round 19
The Adelaide Crows travels to the MCG to face Carlton, with new Blue Mitch McGovern facing his old side for the first time.

The Sydney Swans host the Geelong Cats in a big Sunday afternoon match up, with Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins due to play his 250th game.

Friday night footy in Canberra - Round 21
Friday night football returns to the nation’s capital as the GWS GIANTS face Hawthorn under lights at UNSW Canberra Oval.

Pride Game – Round 23
The SCG will host the fourth PRIDE game, as the Sydney Swans host St Kilda.

Round 23 fixturing
As in previous years, in 2019 the AFL has made the decision to release only the opponents and venues for matches in the final home and away round, rather than schedule official timeslots.

This allows the AFL to schedule timeslots for this round of matches closer to the end of the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, enabling optimal scheduling of Week One of the 2019 Toyota AFL Finals Series (and the weeks that follow) for all competing teams, venues and broadcasters. Therefore, the AFL retains the right to schedule Round 23 matches into final timeslots at an appropriate date prior to the end of the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Season structure
The season structure will have 20 rounds of nine matches, three rounds (Round 12, 13, 14) of six matches where each team will have a bye week.

Bye Rounds
Round 12 – Essendon, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs
Round 13 – Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Geelong Cats, Melbourne, Sydney Swans, West Coast Eagles
Round 14 – Adelaide Crows, Carlton, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond

“Since the turn of the century, both the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide Football Clubs have won first-ever premierships as part of the national competition. While five other clubs during the same period, in the Sydney Swans (72 years), the Geelong Cats (44 years), Collingwood (20 years), the Western Bulldogs (62 years), Richmond (37 years) and the West Coast Eagles (12 years) have broken their longest periods without premiership success,” Mr Auld said.

“In the last two seasons at least one of the Grand Finalists came from outside the top-eight the year before, and in two of the last three seasons two top four teams didn’t play finals the year before, giving hope to all supporters that their club can rise to ultimate success.

"The AFL's goal is that all clubs can compete equally for top-eight spots and then those clubs playing in September can have the best possible lead-in and preparation for the most important matches of our season,” Auld said.

A standard round, as part of the AFL’s agreement with the Seven Network and Foxtel / Fox Sports, will continue to feature one Friday night match, two Saturday afternoon matches, one Saturday twilight match, two Saturday night matches, one early Sunday match, one Sunday afternoon match and one Sunday twilight match.

Toyota Australia’s Vice President National Sales and Marketing Operations Sean Hanley said the new fixture continues to bring the AFL to as many fans as possible, building on the league’s dominant position as Australia’s leading sporting code.

“As the AFL’s premier partner, Toyota believes the 2019 fixture will be widely welcomed by fans who are the lifeblood of this great sport,” Mr Hanley said.

“The fixture ensures as many fans as possible can enjoy the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in person, inspiring them to progress their own passions,”

“It also means there is every chance the AFL will outdo the brilliant 2018 season and break its home-and-away attendance record.”

Mr Auld, as the AFL executive responsible for the production of the fixture, has worked with varying timeslots and match placements across all states and territories, to best reflect the differing needs of fans across country.

He said a key consideration was the five games that provided second match-ups for each club, with the AFL using the final 2018 ladder positions as the basis for this work.

"The fixture has many constraints, which are well-known to our fans and across the competition. Equity around the fixture, when all teams do not play each other both home and away, is a key priority," Mr Auld said.

A total of 198 home and away matches of season 2019 will be played in venues throughout every state and territory, with matches outside the regular capital cities to be played in Ballarat (two), Darwin (one), Alice Springs (one), Hobart (four), Canberra (three), Launceston (four) and Townsville (one). For the third season in a row a match will be played in Shanghai, China.

Mr Auld said all clubs had been consulted in relation to their fixture with the document completed after discussions with the AFL's broadcast partners - the Seven Network, Fox Sports, Telstra and venues.