The AFL (Australian Football League) season typically commences in late March or early April. While the exact date for the 2025 season hasn't been officially announced by the AFL, predicting based on previous years, we can reasonably expect the first round of matches to take place sometime between March 20th and April 6th, 2025.
Factors Affecting the Start Date
Several factors influence the precise start date of the AFL season each year:
- Easter: The AFL often avoids scheduling matches directly on Easter weekend, impacting the overall season launch.
- Fixture Scheduling: The AFL meticulously plans the fixture to ensure fair distribution of home and away games, prime-time slots, and consideration for travel logistics between teams. This complex scheduling process takes time.
- Pre-Season Competition: The timing of the pre-season competition influences the readiness of teams and impacts the desired start date for the main season.
Where to Find the Official Start Date
The most reliable source for the definitive 2025 AFL season start date will be the official AFL website. Keep an eye on their announcements, usually released several months in advance. You can also follow the AFL on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for updates. Sports news outlets covering the AFL, such as ESPN Australia or the major Australian newspapers, will also publish the official date once it's released.
Beyond the Start Date: Key Dates to Note
While the start date is important, other key dates for the 2025 AFL season to keep in mind include:
- Finals Series: This typically begins in September and culminates in the Grand Final in late September or early October.
- Trade Period: The AFL trade period, a time of significant player movement between clubs, usually takes place in October.
- Draft: The AFL National Draft happens later in the year, adding new talent to the league.
By staying informed through the official channels and reputable sports news sources, you'll be perfectly poised to enjoy every moment of the 2025 AFL season!
