AFL fixture 2027: The key takeaways:
  • Sydney leads the 2027 AFL fixture for prime-time exposure, with nine Thursday and Friday night matches across the first 16 rounds.
  • Fremantle and Brisbane are also big winners, each securing eight prime-time matches, including key Thursday night fixtures.
  • St Kilda misses out on Thursday and Friday night games entirely across the first 16 rounds, while Essendon and Richmond receive just one Friday night match each.
  • Five must-watch clashes include Brisbane v Collingwood, Geelong v Hawthorn, Collingwood v Carlton, Collingwood v Western Bulldogs and Brisbane v Fremantle.

The 2027 AFL fixture has officially landed, and there's plenty for footy fans to get excited about!

From blockbuster rivalries and Grand Final rematches to some seriously intriguing player reunions, the new season is shaping up to deliver plenty of drama.

Friday night double-headers are returning, Sunday night football is getting a bigger spotlight, and some clubs have received considerably more prime-time opportunities than others.

So, who's come out on top? Who's been overlooked? And which games should every AFL fan have circled on their calendar?

Let's get into it.

What's New in the 2027 AFL Fixture?

The AFL has made some interesting changes to the 2027 schedule, with a greater emphasis on spreading blockbuster matches across the weekend.

Here's what stands out:

Friday night double-headers return, featuring several interstate rivalries.

Sunday night football expands, with matches starting after 6pm AEDT/AEST across the first 13 rounds.

Sydney dominates prime time, with nine Thursday or Friday night appearances in the first 16 rounds.

Fremantle gets the spotlight, including two Thursday night appearances at the MCG.

Rounds 17 to 24 remain flexible, with exact match times to be confirmed later in the season.

The result? More standalone matches, more national exposure and plenty of opportunities for fans to enjoy footy throughout the weekend.

AFL Fixture 2027: The Winners

Sydney Swans

Nine Thursday and Friday night matches make Sydney the biggest prime-time winner of 2027.

With seven Friday night appearances, the Swans will be hard to miss on television throughout the first half of the season.

Fremantle Dockers

The Dockers have been handed eight prime-time matches, including six Thursday night appearances.

They'll also get two valuable opportunities to play at the MCG against Collingwood and Hawthorn, potentially important experience ahead of September.

Brisbane Lions

The reigning premiers remain a major attraction, with eight Thursday or Friday night matches and several huge fixtures against heavyweight opposition.

The Easter Thursday clash with Collingwood and two meetings with Fremantle are particular highlights.

AFL Fixture 2027: The Losers

St Kilda Saints

Zero Thursday or Friday night matches across the first 16 rounds.

That's a tough result for Saints supporters, with St Kilda the only club missing out entirely on these marquee time slots.

Essendon Bombers

Just one Friday night appearance and no Thursday night matches.

For a club with a passionate supporter base and traditionally strong television appeal, the Bombers have been given limited prime-time exposure.

Richmond Tigers

Like Essendon, Richmond has received just one Friday night appearance in the first 16 rounds.

The Tigers will have to make the most of their limited opportunities under the national spotlight.

Five Biggest AFL Games to Watch in 2027

Some matches are bigger than four premiership points. Here are five fixtures that deserve a place in every footy fan's calendar.

1. Brisbane Lions v Collingwood

Round 2 | Thursday 25 March | The Gabba | 7:50pm AEDT

Easter Thursday at the Gabba is already one of the AFL's great modern traditions.

But this year there's an extra storyline.

Lachie Neale will face his former Brisbane teammates for the first time since joining Collingwood. With three premierships behind him at the Lions, expect plenty of attention on the former Brisbane star.

2. Geelong Cats v Hawthorn

Round 2 | Monday 29 March | MCG | 3:15pm AEDT

Easter Monday. Geelong. Hawthorn.

Some rivalries simply don't need an introduction.

The Cats and Hawks have delivered countless unforgettable contests over the years, and their traditional Easter Monday showdown remains one of the highlights of the AFL calendar.

Expect a massive crowd, fierce competition and another chapter in one of football's great rivalries.

3. Collingwood v Carlton

Round 5 | Thursday 15 April | MCG | 7:30pm AEST

Two traditional rivals. One enormous stage.

Few fixtures generate the same level of passion as Collingwood against Carlton.

With both supporter bases desperate for bragging rights, this Thursday night blockbuster has all the ingredients for another memorable chapter in their long-running rivalry.

4. Collingwood v Western Bulldogs

Round 8 | Friday 7 May | Marvel Stadium | 7:40pm AEST

Friday night footy at Marvel Stadium brings together two Victorian clubs with plenty to prove.

With Collingwood's star-studded midfield and the Bulldogs' attacking talent, this could be one of the most entertaining contests of the round.

A fascinating match-up with plenty of potential finals implications.

5. Brisbane Lions v Fremantle Dockers

Round 16 | Thursday 1 July | The Gabba | 7:30pm AEST

The 2026 Grand Finalists meet again in one of the most anticipated match-ups of the season.

With both sides expected to feature prominently in the premiership conversation, this clash could provide a revealing indication of where the competition's heavyweights stand heading towards September.

And with another meeting scheduled earlier in Round 8, there's every chance this rivalry will have developed even further by July.

Other AFL 2027 Fixtures Worth Watching

Beyond our top five, there are some fascinating player reunions on the horizon.

Round 3: Zach Merrett faces Essendon in Hawthorn colours.

Round 7: Toby Greene meets GWS as a Geelong player.

Round 8: Nick Blakey returns to the SCG with North Melbourne to face Sydney.

Round 15: Scott Pendlebury comes up against Collingwood for the first time as a Gold Coast player.

There's no shortage of storylines heading into the new season.

AFL 2027 Fixture FAQs

When does the 2027 AFL season start?

The 2027 AFL premiership season begins on Wednesday 17 March 2027, with Sydney Swans hosting Geelong at the SCG. The season begins directly with Round 1, without a separate Opening Round.

Has the full AFL 2027 fixture been released?

The AFL has announced the season's match-ups, with dates and times confirmed for the first 16 rounds. Rounds 17 to 24 remain a floating fixture, meaning their exact scheduling will be finalised later.

Which AFL team has the most prime-time games in 2027?

Sydney leads the competition with nine Thursday and Friday night matches across the first 16 rounds, followed by Brisbane and Fremantle with eight each.

Which AFL team has the fewest prime-time games in 2027?

St Kilda has no Thursday or Friday night matches in the first 16 rounds, the fewest of any AFL club.

Are Friday night double-headers returning in 2027?

Yes. The AFL has brought back Friday night double-headers for 2027, including several matches featuring non-Victorian rivals.

Will there be Sunday night AFL games in 2027?

Yes. The first 13 rounds of the 2027 AFL season will feature Sunday night matches beginning after 6pm on Australia's east coast.

When will the remaining AFL 2027 fixture times be announced?

Exact dates and starting times for Rounds 17 to 24 will be confirmed later in the season as part of the AFL's floating fixture arrangements.

Where can I buy AFL 2027 tickets?

Fans looking to attend the biggest matches of the 2027 AFL season can explore available tickets through Ticket Merchant.

Whether you're heading to the MCG, Marvel Stadium, the Gabba or travelling interstate to support your team, Ticket Merchant makes it easy to find tickets to your favourite AFL matches.

Get Ready for AFL 2027 with Ticket Merchant

The fixture is out. The rivalries are set. Now the countdown to the opening bounce begins.

Whether you're planning a trip to a blockbuster rivalry, following your team interstate or looking forward to another huge season of footy, Ticket Merchant has you covered.

With no hidden fees, a 100% Buyer Guarantee and locally based customer support, you can book with confidence.

Explore AFL 2027 tickets at Ticket Merchant and be there for the moments that matter.