The start to the season will be played in NSW and Queensland where great strides are being made to drive growth but more is wanted
The AFL’s radical initiative to start the season in the northern states for the first time? That’s not enough for the voracious expansion franchises who, despite approaching the 2024 season in imposing form, are calling for unfairness in the competition to be addressed.
The chief executives of the AFL’s latest two expansion sides, Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast, have called for “Opening Round” – which sees the northern clubs enjoy a home fixture before the traditional season start in Melbourne next week – to be made permanent.