Fresh after agreeing to the trade of Zach Merrett, Hawthorn and Essendon have united again, now requesting a prime-time slot for their blockbuster grudge match early in the new AFL season.
The Hawks and the Bombers are hoping to play each other at the MCG in Round 1 next year, giving Merrett an immediate chance to show off his new colours to his old fans.
Given that there is no love lost between the clubs, the sight of Merrett in brown and gold — a former Essendon captain and seven-time best-and-fairest winner at the club — will definitely not go down well with the Bombers faithful.
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Hawthorn and Essendon have played each other in Round 1 every year since 2023, however, Opening Round was introduced in 2024, and thus Round 1 was the second round of the season.
With Opening Round now axed after the three-year experiment, the first match at the MCG is expected to be the traditional Carlton and Richmond Round 1 blockbuster, however, that is expected to be played on the Friday night of March 19.
As revealed first on Channel 7, the AFL will have delayed start in 2027, set to start on Wednesday or Thursday, March 17 or 18, just days after the final day of the 150th anniversary cricket Test between Australia and England.
The league is also considering Port Adelaide’s wish for a reunion with Zak Butters on home soil. Port are keen for a match against the Western Bulldogs in Gather Round.
Gather Round in South Australia is locked in for April 8-11 in 2027.
The Brisbane Lions have asked the AFL for a Gabba date with departed star Lachie Neale in Round 2 on Easter Thursday.
Neale, a dual Brownlow medallist, joined Collingwood at the end of the season, after winning a third consecutive premiership medal for the Lions.