Collingwood’s impassioned plea regarding Opening Round revealed

Collingwood has reportedly made an impassioned plea to the AFL to excuse them from Opening Round in 2026.

The Pies are the sole travellers for both editions of the Northern State concept, losing twice to GWS to kick off their respective campaigns by 32 and 52 points.

Channel 7's Mitch Cleary believes the Victorian powerhouse supports the unique weekend, but feels it should be shared among other clubs.

"They've told the AFL they are done with playing in Opening Round while they are in favour of the concept overall," Cleary said.

"They don't want to travel next year, much like Carlton lobbied for this year.

"The Pies the only club to travel both years in Opening Round and to date, losing both games and want the load shared.

"It's set to be a key talking point of the CEOs meeting in Gather Round next week."

Carlton, Richmond and Melbourne were spared from this year's edition after participating in the inaugural Opening Round in 2024.

The AFL welcomed Hawthorn, Essendon and Geelong into the mix, although the latter two weren't able to feature due to the Tropical Cyclone Alfred that swept through Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The Cats' scheduled clash with Brisbane was postponed to Round 3, while the Bombers will take on Gold Coast in Round 24 as a replacement.

Collingwood has been vocal about its involvement, with coach Craig McRae hinting at the club's desire to be withdrawn.

"It's easy to judge it from afar, but when you've lived in the northern states, anything that can promote the game up here is really opportunist," McRae said following their season opening loss to the Giants.

"I'm all for the promotion for the whole brand of game. I'd like to see other teams come up here a bit more, too.

"Whether that's us next year, I'm not sure, but the balance of having games up here, whether it's a big crowd or membership, it all flows back into all of us.

"You can get selfish and protect your own patch, but when the whole game grows, we all get the fruits of that."

Former Pies president Jeff Browne lobbied for all 18 clubs to be involved in the weekend, while media mogul Eddie McGuire revealed the league is looking to overhaul the fixture amid concern among the competition.

"All Victorian players play each other in Victoria, the Queensland and Sydney teams play at home while WA and South Australia teams would play each other, allowing their two showdowns and derbies to be played during the season," McGuire said.

"The AFL would expect an opening record attendance played in more appropriate climatic conditions than what we saw this year.

"The later start would also provide players more time to prepare for the season, which has been a big complaint.

"There would be mini-Gather Rounds for Queensland and New South Wales, which would be scheduled for later in the year rather than the Opening Round... All up, more blockbusters for clubs and a football tourism bonanza for fans."

Sydney coach Dean Cox responded to the Magpies' request.

"It's a national game, last time I checked," he said.

"I think one thing we always try and do is promote the game, and that's one thing that here (Sydney) has done in the past."