AFL postpones Opening Round games due to Cyclone Alfred

The AFL has postponed two Opening Round fixtures due to safety concerns as Queensland prepares for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

The Brisbane Lions and Geelong were set to kick off the 2025 AFL season at the Gabba on Thursday night, while the Gold Coast Suns were to host Essendon at People First Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

However, with 130kph winds and up to 700mm of rain forecasted for the Brisbane area from Thursday morning onwards, the league confirmed on Tuesday that both matches would be rescheduled.

There is a good chance Brisbane and Geelong will instead face off in Round 3; both teams have a bye that week, while only two matches are slated for Sunday, March 30.

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The situation is a little more complicated for Gold Coast and Essendon, however, as their respective byes this year all come in different rounds.

Also, the Bombers’ Friday night clash with Hawthorn next week means there is no possibility of pushing their game against the Suns back a few days.

As things stand, there will be only two matches played in the opening week of the 2025 AFL Premiership season.

The Sydney Swans will host Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday night, with top bookmakers installing Dean Cox’s men as slender favourites at $1.86.

The AFL odds are just as tight for the GWS Giants’ clash with Collingwood on Sunday, as BetOnline has the Magpies as $1.98 outsiders to get revenge for last year’s Opening Round loss at ENGIE Stadium.

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