The AFL’s ‘Opening Round’ experiment, designed to generate excitement and extend the season, has come under intense scrutiny after Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced major disruptions to the start of the 2025 season. With multiple games postponed and logistical challenges mounting, critics are questioning whether the initiative is sustainable or if it needs to be reconsidered entirely.
What is the Opening Round?
Introduced as a way to boost engagement in non-traditional AFL markets, the Opening Round was meant to add an extra week of high-profile fixtures, with games scheduled in states like Queensland and New South Wales. The idea was to expand the league’s reach while creating a spectacle for fans before the traditional Round 1. However, its execution has been far from smooth, and the latest weather-related disruption has amplified calls to scrap it altogether.
Cyclone Alfred’s Impact on Fixtures
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached Queensland, concerns quickly grew about the viability of scheduled matches. The Brisbane Lions’ clash with Geelong at the Gabba and the Gold Coast Suns’ meeting with Essendon were both postponed due to the severe weather warnings. The AFL, after receiving advice from meteorological experts and government officials, made the decision to postpone the games to ensure public and player safety.
While the decision was ultimately the right one, many have criticized how long it took for the AFL to act. Fans, clubs, and broadcasters were left in limbo, uncertain whether games would go ahead, causing logistical headaches and financial losses. Critics argue that the league should have been more proactive given the cyclone warnings had been issued well in advance.
Safety vs. Scheduling – A Balancing Act
The AFL was left with no choice but to prioritize safety. Strong winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding made it impossible to guarantee safe conditions for spectators and players. However, the last-minute nature of the postponements has raised broader concerns about whether games should be scheduled in these regions at this time of year in the first place.
Finding alternative dates for the postponed matches now becomes another issue. The league is considering rescheduling the games for later in the season, possibly during existing bye rounds. However, this creates fixture congestion and potential fairness concerns, especially for teams needing a mid-season break.
Financial and Logistical Challenges
The AFL’s decision also has financial implications. Clubs, broadcasters, and sponsors have all invested in making the Opening Round a spectacle, and its failure this year raises questions about whether it is worth the risk. Ticket refunds, travel cancellations, and lost sponsorship opportunities all contribute to the growing frustration around the concept.
For fans, particularly those who had traveled to Queensland for the games, the situation has been disappointing. Many had booked flights, accommodation, and tickets only to see their plans unravel. While extreme weather is beyond the AFL’s control, the handling of the situation has left a sour taste.
Should the Opening Round Be Scrapped?
With the AFL now facing another scheduling dilemma and mounting backlash, many believe it’s time to rethink the Opening Round entirely. The concept, while exciting on paper, has failed to deliver a smooth start to the season. This year’s cyclone disruption is the latest in a series of complications that have plagued the initiative.
Ultimately, the league must decide whether to persist with the experiment or admit that the risks outweigh the rewards. With so many lessons learned from this year’s debacle, the AFL has a tough decision to make about the future of its season opener.
