AFL Opening Round 2025 under threat from Cyclone Alfred

AFL Opening Round for 2025 is on a collision course with Tropical Cyclone Alfred, as there is a very real danger this week’s games could be called off due to extreme weather.

The storm is expected to make landfall in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales some time between Thursday morning and Friday morning, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting up to 300mm of rain as well as winds over 100kph.

As such, there is a good chance Thursday night’s season-opening clash in Brisbane between the Lions and Geelong will not go ahead, while there is also some concern around Saturday’s fixture on the Gold Coast between the Suns and Essendon.

Reports are now circulating that Brisbane and Geelong would be happy to move their game to Round 3, when both teams are scheduled to have a bye.

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Speaking to the press in Sydney on Monday, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon admitted that a number of possibilities were on the table.

“Every game we have contingencies and we have options, but at the moment the game is scheduled for Thursday night,” he said.

“The Lions are working towards that, as are Geelong and as are the AFL and Channel Seven.”

Top bookmakers have Brisbane at $1.50 to kick off their premiership defence with a win over the Cats, who are paying $2.61 to conquer the Gabba.

The AFL odds at BetOnline are identical for Gold Coast’s game against Essendon, with the Suns heavily favoured to salute at home.

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