Thursday night football is set to reach record heights in 2025, with the increasingly popular time slot expected to topple previous years.

Coinciding with the AFL's new broadcast deal - and the biggest in Australian sport - which runs until the end of 2031, could see up to 21 matches played on Thursday night, according toย SEN's Sam Edmund.

In 2024, fans were privy to the first 14 weeks of the season on Thursday night before being starved of any action until the opening week of the finals series.

The year prior saw 12 home and away matches on Thursday night split into two blocks and one final.

In 2022, there were nine home and away matches and one final scheduled on Thursday.

The increase in Thursday time slots coincides with the positive response from footy fans, with attendance and TV ratings increasing to record numbers.

Reports have also indicated that Channel 7 is pushing for a Sunday night time slot, scrapping the traditional afternoon window.

It is understood that the game won't be in addition to the three televised matches on the popular channel and won't disrupt the 6 pm News segment.

Edmund believes the broadcast powerhouse is eyeing a 7:30 pm match on Sunday evenings in the first third of the season.

Elsewhere, it is understood that Victorian powerhouse Carlton are wanting out of next year's edition of Opening Round.

In 2024, the Blues were one of four clubs that hit the northern states to assist in growing the game in rugby-dominated areas.

Carlton kicked off the season against Brisbane at the Gabba, while Melbourne, Collingwood and Richmond also boarded aeroplanes.

However, according toย Herald Sunย Jay Clark, the Blues are happy to give it a miss, and return to their traditional Thursday season-opener against Richmond.

It is understood the AFL wants to begin the season on March 6-8 (Opening Round) with the Melbourne F1 Grand Prix the following weekend.

Geelong look poised to replace the Blues in a preliminary replay.

Carlton wants to increase the number of games it plays at the MCG from five to six next season.

Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Western Bulldogs are also set to celebrate their 100th year in the competition next year, eyeing marquee games to honour the milestone.