There aren’t many sports leagues like the AFL Premiership. Returning for its 128th season this year, the iconic Australian rules football competition has a long history of drama, intrigue, and all-out action to its name, with more of the same set to be served up in 2024.
By all accounts, 2023 was one of the greatest AFL seasons in memory. From upsets to win streaks, close finishes to a nail-biting Grand Final, the competition had it all. Ultimately, it was Collingwood who claimed the title, earning back-to-back premierships for the first time since 1935/36. However, with a new season comes new opportunities and all 18 AFL teams now have their sights fixed on future glory, and the chance to become champions in 2024.
This year, the AFL Premiership kicked off with an inaugural Opening Round on the weekend of 9–10 March. Designed to help grow the game in Australia’s northern states, this limited set of fixtures took place across Sydney, Brisbane, and on the Gold Coast ahead of the league’s traditional Round 1.
For many Australian football fans, the 2024 campaign begins this week, and all 18 teams will be in action between 14 – 17 March. Games to look out for include reigning champions Collingwood vs Sydney on 15 March, and Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs on 17 March. Both contests will take place in front of tens of thousands of fans at the MCG in Melbourne.
When Round 1 comes to a close, Aussie rules fans can look ahead to another 23 weeks of action as teams battle for a place in the Finals Series. Before then, highlights will include the Gather Round (Round 4) as all AFL teams converge on Adelaide, and the popular Anzac Appeal Round (Round 7) in late April.
Of course, when it comes down to it, there’s one game that all AFL teams want to be part of more than any other – the Grand Final. In 2024, this season-ending clash will take place on 28 September at the MCG in front of more than 90,000 fans. But which team will etch their place in the history books by winning it all? Find out over the course of another exciting season of the AFL Premiership.
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