The AFL are reportedly considering a new blockbuster timeslot for the 2026 AFL season, identifying a public holiday in early March could potentially kickstart the next football campaign.
The AFL reportedly contacted the MCG to learn the availability of the ground for football on Labour Day weekend, the Victorian public holiday weekend in March.
In 2026, that date will fall on March 9, with the AFL exploring the potential for a Monday game on that date, as well as a potential Sunday night fixture for Labour Day Eve, per 9News' Tom Morris.
It would create a blockbuster fixture in a revamped Opening Round, with the northern states of New South Wales and Queensland still to host the first four games of the weekend. It would then leave the Sunday and Monday fixtures open for Victorian matches to commence and not detract from the four interstate clashes that occur earlier in the round.
"This (Labour Day game) would bring football to Melbourne on the Moomba weekend," Morris said.
A new look Opening Round could be presented similar to the previous editions, with Brisbane to host a Victorian club on Thursday night, followed by a Sydney SCG clash on the Friday, and Gold Coast and GWS-hosted games on Saturday.
The AFL could then schedule a Victorian rivalry blockbuster for Sunday night, as they have done with ANZAC Day Eve, and then play a Monday public holiday game like the upcoming Easter Monday match and King's Birthday game.
Here is how a potential 2026 Opening Round could look:
Thursday, March 5
Brisbane vs Hawthorn (GABBA, 7:30pm)
Friday, March 6
Sydney vs Essendon (SCG, 7:40pm)
Saturday, March 7
Gold Coast vs Geelong (People First Stadium, 4:15pm)
GWS vs Western Bulldogs (ENGIE Stadium, 7:30pm)
Sunday, March 8
Richmond vs St Kilda (MCG, 7:30pm)
Monday, March 9
Collingwood vs Carlton (MCG, 3:20pm)
