Hawthorn is set to benefit from their rapid rise as the AFL is expected to include them in the Opening Round festivities to begin season 2025.

At the reported expense of the 18th-placed Richmond side, who featured in the launch of the new campaign in the Gold Coast against former coach Damien Hardwick and the Suns, the Hawks' new 'Hollywood' tag is poised to take centre stage.

The club has faced the lonely abyss in recent years, being consistently excluded from prime-time slots and night fixtures, with Friday's elimination final its first evening outing in over two years.

Speaking on Fox Footy'sย Midweek Tackle, Herald Sun journalist Glenn McFarlane first confirmed the return of Opening Round in 2025 and the potential changes we might see.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Toby Greene of the Giants, Daniel McStay of the Magpies, Max Gawn of the Demons and Dane Rampe of the Swans pose for a photograph with Auskickers during the Sydney Opening Round Media Opportunity at Circular Quay on March 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

โ€œThere is a possibility they might just tweak a few of the teams, that's the interesting scenario,โ€ Mcfarlane said.

โ€œYou can put a pin through Richmond, not sure about Melbourne. I think you can lock Collingwood and Carlton away.

โ€œThis is something they're working on at the moment, all the clubs are expressing interest in being involved in meetings this week.

โ€œNot that many months ago (Collingwood president) Jeff Browne said every club should be involved, that's not going to happen.โ€

There has been no indication from the league as to what Opening Round will look like after its successful debut.

Melbourne's fall from grace and their place in the opening weekend could also come into question, but it is unlikely given the intrigue surrounding the club and Christian Petracca.

Looking at the end of the season, the Wildcard Round initiative, which appeared to be taking off when first broached as an option, has reportedly hit a snag in recent times.

The added round would open the door to the finals for teams placed 9th and 10th (given the VFL structure) as the AFL looks to its expansion, with Tasmania set to take its spot in 2028.

However, despite the initial excitement, McFarlane revealed that the idea will be a wait-and-see.

โ€œWe get excited and the support of the club, but at this stage, I think Andrew Dillon wants to wait,โ€ Mcfarlane said.

โ€œIt certainly won't happen next year and I think it's highly doubtful to be happening in 2026.โ€