Key insights and what to expect from the AFL fixtures 2019.
What to expect when the AFL fixtures for 2019 are released.
Who will be the big movers?
Who will have the easy and hard matchups?
When will the grand final rematch happen?
2019 AFL Fixtures Key Details
- 23-round round home and away season, running from Thursday, March 21, to Sunday, August 25, which will include one bye for each team
- A pre-finals week bye
- A four-week finals series, with:
- The first week to be held from Thursday, September 5, to Sunday, September 8
- The Grand Final to be held on Saturday, September 28.
Round One Fixtures
Thursday, March 21
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG, 7.20pm AEDT
Friday, March 22
Collingwood v Geelong at the MCG, 7.50pm AEDT
Saturday, March 23
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 1.45pm AEDT
Adelaide v Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT
Western Bulldogs v Sydney at Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm AEDT
Brisbane v West Coast at the Gabba, 7.20pm AEST
Sunday, March 24
St Kilda v Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT
Greater Western Sydney v Essendon at Spotless Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT
Fremantle v North Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm AWST
Fremantle to have the first game at Optus Stadium for 2019
In what could be a rotating occurrence – West Coast had first dibs in 2018 so Fremantle will get to open their 2019 campaign at home, with the reigning premiers having to settle for an away game to start their season.
Grand Final rematch in round 2 at Optus Stadium
As mentioned above West Coast will have to wait to round 2 for their first game at home – allowing for the celebrations of their 2018 premiership. Will the AFL take this opportunity to fixture the grand final rematch? Historically the AFL hasn’t made fans wait too long for the grand final rematch so fingers crossed for round 2 Optus Stadium sell out.
New matchup in China with St Kilda Saints v Port Adelaide Power
Fixtured for Sunday 2nd of June – St Kilda Saints v Port Adelaide at Shanghai’s Jiangwan Stadium in Round 11.
To make up for the travel both sides will be handed a bye the following week to aid their recovery upon returning home.
Fun fact The Saints will become the first club to play for premiership points in three countries following a brief three-year foray into New Zealand in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
West Coast v Melbourne In The NT
For the first time ever the reigning premiers will travel to Alice Springs.
TIO Traeger Park as part of Melbourne’s commitment to play two games in the Northern Territory each year.
It will be the Eagles’ first game for premiership points at the venue, with the match to take place on Sunday, July 21 at 2.50pm ACST.
Who will benefit the most from an easier run in 2019?
Teams in the bottom six will generally play two double-ups against other teams who finished in the bottom six – allowing Western Bulldogs, Fremantle Dockers, Brisbane Lions, St Kilda Saints, Gold Coast Suns and Carlton Blues to have two double-ups against each other.
Essentially the way following year fixtures work is if you’re bad, you play other bad teams. If you’re good, you play other good teams.
Fremantle Dockers – with a team that has just loaded up a forward line with Hogan and Lobb – plus the home ground advantage of Optus Stadium, don’t be surprised to see Fremantle pushing into the 8 in 2019.
Brisbane Lions – were a team that was much better than their 5 wins suggested. A team full of youth and talent could see a significant jump similar to Fremantle due to double-ups against lesser teams (especially Gold Coast Suns), potentially giving Brisbane 2 wins before they even start the season.
Essendon Bombers – Finishing strong last season, but finishing middle of the pack and with a star inclusion of Dylan Shiel and a healthy Joe Daniher – 2019 could be a big year for the Dons. Essendon will likely have two double-ups against other middle 6 teams (as well as 2 games against Collingwood), however an easier draw and an significantly improved team could see Essendon challenge for the Top 4.
