AFL announce Opening Round fixtures with Eagles fans to get first glance at Tom Barrass in Hawthorn colours

The biggest names of this year’s trade period don’t have long to wait to make their new club debuts as the AFL announced a blockbuster opening round.

West Coast fans will get their first glimpse of defector Tom Barrass in Hawthorn colours in the second game of the 2025 season as the Hawks feature in their first home-and-away Friday night game in two years against grand finalists Sydney.

Premiers Brisbane will launch the new campaign on March 6 with a clash against Geelong at the Gabba, with the club set to unveil the flag while the Cats unveil boom recruit Bailey Smith.

Opening Round will again showcase the nation’s game to the northern states with four matches in four days across New South Wales and Queensland.

Former Power defender Dan Houston will take his first on-field steps as a Pie on the Sunday against Greater Western Sydney, who will also unleash Jake Stringer after he departed the Bombers via trade.

Stringer’s former club will have played their first game the day before against Gold Coast.

Victoria will be back firmly in the AFL’s focus for round one, with Carlton and Richmond squaring off for the round one - which will feature a full suite of nine games - Thursday night contest.

All sides that feature in Opening Round will be given a bye within the first five weeks.

Melbourne and Richmond were dumped from last year’s Opening Round, while Carlton requested not to be part of it.

The Western Bulldogs were also snubbed but are likely to be given a blockbuster clash with Collingwood in round one to celebrate their 100-year anniversary.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he expected Opening Round to deliver large crowds.

“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,” 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.”

The AFL is also expected to increase Thursday night fixtures from 14 to 20 in 2025.