**AFL Season Starts: Opening Round & Gather Round Schedule**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 12, 2024

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AFL Season Starts: Opening Round & Gather Round Schedule

The footy is back! The 2023 AFL season is officially underway, and fans across the country are eager to see their teams take to the field. As always, the opening round promises plenty of excitement, with a full slate of games kicking off the new campaign. But this year, there's even more to look forward to with the introduction of the Gather Round – a unique event that brings the entire AFL together for a weekend of non-stop footy action.

Opening Round Schedule

The opening round gets underway on Thursday, March 16th with a blockbuster clash between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG. This traditional rivalry is sure to set the tone for the season, with both teams looking to make a statement early on.

The rest of the opening round features some intriguing matchups, including:

• Melbourne v Western Bulldogs (Friday, March 17th)
• Port Adelaide v St Kilda (Friday, March 17th)
• Sydney v GWS (Saturday, March 18th)
• Brisbane v Hawthorn (Saturday, March 18th)
• Collingwood v Geelong (Saturday, March 18th)
• Essendon v Gold Coast (Saturday, March 18th)
• Fremantle v North Melbourne (Sunday, March 19th)
• Adelaide v West Coast (Sunday, March 19th)

Gather Round: A Festival of Footy

The Gather Round takes place over Thursday, March 23rd to Sunday, March 26th and will see all 18 teams converge on Adelaide for a unique and exciting event. This is the first time in AFL history that all teams will play in the same city for a round, promising a truly unforgettable experience for fans.

Here's what to expect from the Gather Round:

• Every team plays once: There will be nine games played over the four days, with each team competing once.
• Adelaide Oval will be the hub: All games will be played at the iconic Adelaide Oval, creating an atmosphere that will be truly electric.
• A festival atmosphere: The Gather Round is more than just footy. There will be plenty of entertainment, food, and activities for fans of all ages.

The full Gather Round schedule is yet to be announced, but fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable weekend of footy action.

What to Watch for in the 2023 Season

The 2023 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With the introduction of the Gather Round, the return of several key players, and the emergence of exciting new talent, there is plenty to look forward to.

Here are some key storylines to follow:

• Can Geelong repeat as premiers?: The Cats will be looking to become the first team since Hawthorn in 2014-15 to win back-to-back premierships.
• The rise of the young guns: With players like Jason Horne-Francis, Sam Darcy, and Nick Daicos emerging, the future of the AFL is looking bright.
• The impact of the Gather Round: The first-ever Gather Round is sure to have a major impact on the season, both on and off the field.

Get ready for an epic season of footy! With the opening round and the Gather Round kicking off the year, there's never been a better time to be an AFL fan.