The AFL’s Opening Round is more than just a kickoff—it’s a game-changer for the sport’s future, according to chief operating officer Tom Harley. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some fans crave a traditional full round to start the season, Harley argues this polarizing concept is essential for growing the game in northern markets. Is he right, or is this a risky gamble?
For the third year in a row, Sydney will host the season opener, with Carlton visiting the SCG on March 5. Gold Coast, GWS, and the Brisbane Lions will also take center stage in week one, joined by a newly added Sunday night blockbuster between St Kilda and Collingwood. Harley, who stepped into his AFL role in October after leading the Swans, is doubling down on this strategy despite criticism.
‘It’s unbelievably important,’ Harley insists. ‘One day, I hope we stop talking about traditional footy states versus non-footy states.’ He points to Sydney’s past two season openers as proof of the concept’s success, citing soaring membership and attendance numbers. But is this enough to justify sidelining the heartland?
Harley calls it a ‘classic win-win’, filling a gap in the calendar when many grounds aren’t available and giving a boost to the 58% of Australians living north of the Murray River. ‘If we want AFL to truly be Australia’s game, this is how we do it,’ he says. Yet, skeptics argue that adding a Melbourne fixture—like the Saints-Magpies clash at the MCG—dilutes the focus on northern markets. Harley disagrees: ‘It’s not about either-or. It’s about building momentum everywhere.’
And this is the part most people miss: the AFL isn’t just experimenting with Opening Round. With the Tasmania Devils set to join in 2028, Harley hints at more bold moves, like standalone games or events similar to Gather Round. ‘We’re not afraid to try new things,’ he says. But will these experiments pay off, or are they spreading the league too thin?
State of Origin is another wildcard. After a sold-out WA-Victoria clash at Optus Stadium, Harley sees a ‘really exciting future’ for the concept. ‘There’s clearly an appetite,’ he notes, though he’s cautious about rushing into specifics. Is State of Origin the key to reigniting national interest, or just a nostalgia act?
Harley’s vision is bold, but it’s not without risks. Does the AFL’s push into new territories risk alienating its loyal fanbase? Or is this the only way to secure its future? Let us know what you think in the comments—this debate is far from over.
