Club-by-club AFL fixture report card: Who cashed in, who got ...
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Scroll down to see your AFL club’s 2025 fixture plus analysis of the pros, cons and a grade — with a higher grade meaning an easier draw.
All times AEDT until Saturday April 5, then AEST from Sunday April 6 onwards
CLUB-BY-CLUB FIXTURE AND ANALYSIS
ADELAIDE CROWS
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
Adelaide Crows v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval (12.35pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
Essendon v Adelaide Crows, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 3
Sunday March 30
Adelaide Crows v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
Gold Coast Suns v Adelaide Crows, People First Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Thursday April 10
Adelaide Crows v Geelong Cats, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Adelaide Crows v GWS Giants, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 7
Friday April 25 (Anzac Day)
Fremantle v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Adelaide Crows v Carlton, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows, Adelaide Oval (8.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Collingwood v Adelaide Crows, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
Adelaide Crows v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval (1.10pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
Sydney Swans v Adelaide Crows, SCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 13
Friday June 6
Adelaide Crows v Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 14
Friday June 13
Hawthorn v Adelaide Crows, UTAS Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 15
Bye
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Richmond v Adelaide Crows, MCG
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Adelaide Crows v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows, Mars Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Adelaide Crows v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Adelaide Crows v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Adelaide Crows v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows, Marvel Stadium
Analysis
After an objectively tough fixture in 2024, Adelaide and their fans can look forward to one next year that sets them up to play in September – in other words, there aren’t any excuses this time around. From rounds one through to 15, the Crows will have one five-day break, five six-day breaks, three week-long breaks, three eight-day breaks and a singular nine-day break. The biggest change in rest periods will come through Gather Round, where Matthew Nicks’ side will have just five days off before their Thursday night fixture with Geelong; but it will be followed by a nine-day break. Adelaide will play North Melbourne and West Coast twice, which on face value should be a positive. Cross-town rivals Port Adelaide look set to be the hardest side they’ll double up with, with Collingwood and Hawthorn not far behind.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 4th-easiest
Grade: A-
BRISBANE LIONS
OPENING ROUND
Thursday March 6
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, The Gabba (7.50pm)
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, SCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
Brisbane Lions v West Coast Eagles, The Gabba (1.10pm)
ROUND 3
Bye
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
Richmond v Brisbane Lions, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Norwood Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 6
Thursday April 17 (Easter Thursday)
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, The Gabba (7.30pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns, The Gabba (7.20pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions, Ninja Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, The Gabba (3.20pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 12
Thursday May 29
Brisbane Lions v Essendon, The Gabba (7.30pm)
ROUND 13
Friday June 6
Adelaide Crows v Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, The Gabba (1.20pm)
ROUND 15
Friday June 20
Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions, GMHBA Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 16
Bye
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide, The Gabba
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Carlton v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs, The Gabba
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions, People First Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions, MCG
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans, The Gabba
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Fremantle v Brisbane Lions, Optus Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, The Gabba
Analysis
Understandably, Brisbane has the toughest fixture based on the 2024 percentage of the teams it plays twice. The Lions double-up against three top-six sides from last season — Sydney, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs — two middle-six teams, and just one bottom-six side: Gold Coast. The Suns are expected to be risers next year too, meaning there’s minimal margin for error for the reigning premiers. The Lions do get two nine-day breaks throughout the first 15 rounds, but that is cancelled out by a pair of five-day spells. It is a difficult fixture — by design — but it isn’t anything this battle-hardened Chris Fagan-led brigade can’t handle.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): Hardest
Grade: C-
CARLTON
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Thursday March 13
Richmond v Carlton, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 2
Thursday March 20
Carlton v Hawthorn, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 3
Friday March 28
Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 4
Thursday April 3
Collingwood v Carlton, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Carlton v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval (1.20pm)
ROUND 6
Friday April 18 (Good Friday)
North Melbourne v Carlton, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Carlton v Geelong Cats, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Adelaide Crows v Carlton, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 9
Friday May 9
St Kilda v Carlton, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Friday May 16
Sydney Swans v Carlton, SCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Carlton v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 12
Bye
ROUND 13
Sunday June 8
Carlton v Essendon, MCG (7.15pm)
ROUND 14
Sunday June 15
West Coast Eagles v Carlton, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Carlton v North Melbourne, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Port Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Carlton v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Carlton v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Carlton v Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Hawthorn v Carlton, MCG
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Fremantle v Carlton, Optus Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Carlton v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Essendon v Carlton, MCG
Analysis
There’s no doubt that Carlton is smack-bang in the middle of the premiership window, so 2025 is the year they’ll want to pounce on what is an incredibly favourable fixture. They’ve drawn a good straw in the form of double-ups and will clash with North Melbourne and West Coast twice – much like Adelaide. The club’s first month of fixtures are all in prime time — on either a Thursday or Friday night — and they’ve been given not one, but two nine-day breaks (plus the bye) in their first 15 rounds. The cherry on top? No five-day breaks in the first half of their season!
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 3rd-easiest
Grade: A+
COLLINGWOOD
OPENING ROUND
Sunday March 9
GWS Giants v Collingwood, ENGIE Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Collingwood v Port Adelaide, MCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 2
Friday March 21
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 3
Bye
ROUND 4
Thursday April 3
Collingwood v Carlton, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Friday April 11
Collingwood v Sydney Swans, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 6
Thursday April 17 (Easter Thursday)
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood, The Gabba (7.30pm)
ROUND 7
Friday April 25 (Anzac Day)
Collingwood v Essendon, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Collingwood v Geelong Cats, MCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 9
Thursday May 8
Fremantle v Collingwood, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Collingwood v Adelaide Crows, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 12
Friday May 30
Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 13
Monday June 9 (King’s Birthday)
Melbourne v Collingwood, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 14
Bye
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Collingwood v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Collingwood v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Carlton v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood, People First Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Collingwood v Fremantle, MCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Richmond v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions, MCG
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Adelaide Crows v Collingwood, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG
Analysis
The Magpies double-up against three sides that didn’t make the finals last season in Adelaide, Melbourne and Fremantle — granted, though, the Dockers and Crows are expected to be big improvers — but they are scheduled to face the reigning premier Lions two times next year in what is the third-hardest fixture in terms of the 2024 percentage of their double-up opponents. But in an advantage: Collingwood is scheduled to play six of its final eight fixtures at the MCG. The Pies are also treated to a stretch between Round 10-17 where they only play at the MCG or Marvel Stadium — a stretch that also includes their second bye. There is, however, a five-day break in between a Round 8 home match and a Round 9 trip to Perth to play the Dockers.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 3rd-hardest
Grade: B-
ESSENDON
OPENING ROUND
Saturday March 8
Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, People First Stadium (5.15pm)
ROUND 1
Friday March 14
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
Essendon v Adelaide Crows, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 3
Thursday March 27
Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 4
Bye
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Melbourne v Essendon, Adelaide Oval (7.35pm)
ROUND 6
Friday April 18 (Good Friday)
West Coast Eagles v Essendon, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 7
Friday April 25 (Anzac Day)
Collingwood v Essendon, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 8
Thursday May 1
Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Essendon v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Western Bulldogs v Essendon, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Friday May 23
Essendon v Richmond, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 12
Thursday May 29
Brisbane Lions v Essendon, The Gabba (7.30pm)
ROUND 13
Sunday June 8
Carlton v Essendon, MCG (7.15pm)
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
Essendon v Geelong Cats, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 15
Thursday June 19
Fremantle v Essendon, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Bye
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Essendon v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Richmond v Essendon, MCG
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Essendon v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Essendon v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Sydney Swans v Essendon, SCG
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Geelong Cats v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Essendon v Carlton, MCG
Analysis
Put simply, Essendon’s fixture is as fascinating as it gets. They are arguably the face of prime time in 2025, for reasons somewhat unbeknownst given their recent form. But nonetheless, the Bombers will be planning on proving themselves on the big stage next year. And in an even more odd quirk in their fixture – the Bombers have two five-day breaks (one followed by a bye), a nine-day break and a monster 10-day break in the first 15 rounds. They’ll play Richmond twice in what fans would perceive as a positive but will on the contrary need to face Carlton and Sydney a second time also. An incredibly odd fixture to make of! Note: while the prime-time exposure is a commercial positive for the Bombers, this grade is weighted towards the difficulty of the 2025 fixture and its impact on the club’s prospective win-loss output.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 5th-hardest
Grade: B
FREMANTLE
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Geelong Cats v Fremantle, GMHBA Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
Fremantle v Sydney Swans, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 3
Sunday March 30
West Coast Eagles v Fremantle, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium (5.10pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
Richmond v Fremantle, Barossa (12.35pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 7
Friday April 25 (Anzac Day)
Fremantle v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 8
Friday May 2
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 9
Thursday May 8
Fremantle v Collingwood, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
GWS Giants v Fremantle, ENGIE Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle, People First Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 13
Bye
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
North Melbourne v Fremantle, Optus Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 15
Thursday June 19
Fremantle v Essendon, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Fremantle v St Kilda, Optus Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Sydney Swans v Fremantle, SCG
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Fremantle v Hawthorn, Optus Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Collingwood v Fremantle, MCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles, Optus Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Fremantle v Carlton, Optus Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Port Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Fremantle v Brisbane Lions, Optus Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium
Analysis
Fremantle handily plays three middle-six finishers from last year in the Bulldogs, Collingwood and St Kilda, as well as its customary pair of Western Derbies. And like West Coast, the Dockers benefit from an added home game next season; scheduled to play North Melbourne at Optus Stadium in an ‘away’ match. After Fremantle’s Round 13 bye, it plays three consecutive games at Optus Stadium — including that Roos match — hosting 2024 bottom-10 finishers Essendon and St Kilda, representing a key opportunity to string some wins together in the middle of the year. The finals aspirants also get a nine-day break in between a Round 9 home match and a Round 10 trip to Sydney, and in another boost, the Dockers play on Thursday or Friday night in three consecutive weeks between Round 7 (Anzac Night) and 9.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 6th-hardest
Grade: B+
GEELONG
OPENING ROUND
Thursday March 6
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, The Gabba (7.50pm)
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Geelong Cats v Fremantle, GMHBA Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
St Kilda v Geelong Cats, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 3
Bye
ROUND 4
Friday April 4
Geelong Cats v Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Thursday April 10
Adelaide Crows v Geelong Cats, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 6
Monday April 21 (Easter Monday)
Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Carlton v Geelong Cats, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Collingwood v Geelong Cats, MCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
Geelong Cats v GWS Giants, GMHBA Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Port Adelaide v Geelong Cats, Adelaide Oval (7.35pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Thursday May 22
Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 12
Sunday June 1
West Coast Eagles v Geelong Cats, Optus Stadium (7.20pm)
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns, GMHBA Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
Essendon v Geelong Cats, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 15
Friday June 20
Geelong Cats v Brisbane Lions, GMHBA Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Bye
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Geelong Cats v Richmond, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
GWS Giants v Geelong Cats, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Geelong Cats v St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
North Melbourne v Geelong Cats, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Geelong Cats v Port Adelaide, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Geelong Cats v Essendon, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats, SCG
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Richmond v Geelong Cats, MCG
Analysis
It’s all about getting a good rest for Geelong in the first 15 rounds of their fixture; and they’ll be absolutely loving it. The Cats do need to bare one five-day break before July, but in return, they’ve managed to snag a nine-day break, 10-day break, and wait for it... an 11-day break! We’re not sure how they’ve managed to land such a strong amount of rest, but when you add in the fact they’ll get an extra home game at GMHBA Stadium next season – they’ve nailed it. The Cats will play Richmond and St Kilda twice in a win but will be tasked with double ups against the likes of Brisbane, GWS and Port Adelaide in tougher games.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 8th-easiest
Grade: A+
GOLD COAST SUNS
OPENING ROUND
Saturday March 8
Gold Coast Suns v Essendon, People First Stadium (5.15pm)
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
West Coast Eagles v Gold Coast Suns, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 2
Bye
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
Gold Coast Suns v Adelaide Crows, People First Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
North Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, Barossa (12.35pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Richmond v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Gold Coast Suns v Sydney Swans, People First Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast Suns, The Gabba (7.20pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs, TIO Darwin (7.35pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Thursday May 15
Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn, TIO Darwin (7.30pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
St Kilda v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle, People First Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns, GMHBA Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 14
Bye
ROUND 15
Sunday June 22
GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns, ENGIE Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne, People First Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Essendon v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Gold Coast Suns v Collingwood, People First Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Adelaide Crows v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Gold Coast Suns v Brisbane Lions, People First Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Gold Coast Suns v Richmond, People First Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Carlton v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants, People First Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval
Analysis
Once again entering a new season in which they are tipped for improvement, the Suns are treated to a favourable fixture. They are scheduled to double-up against three bottom-six sides from last season in Richmond, Adelaide and Melbourne. But in saying that, the Crows nor Demons will be pushovers. They are, however, somewhat stunted by a five-day break between Rounds 9 and 10; two fixtures they play at TIO Stadium in Darwin — they went 2-0 at the venue this year. They then benefit from a 10-day break between that second Darwin fixture and a Round 11 trip to Marvel Stadium, and they play four of their final seven games at People First Stadium as they look to stage a maiden September charge.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 5th-easiest
Grade: B+
GWS GIANTS
OPENING ROUND
Sunday March 9
GWS Giants v Collingwood, ENGIE Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
Melbourne v GWS Giants, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 2
Bye
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
Hawthorn v GWS Giants, UTAS Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles, ENGIE Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
St Kilda v GWS Giants, Norwood Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Adelaide Crows v GWS Giants, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
GWS Giants v Western Bulldogs, Manuka (7.35pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants, SCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
Geelong Cats v GWS Giants, GMHBA Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
GWS Giants v Fremantle, ENGIE Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Carlton v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
GWS Giants v Richmond, ENGIE Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
GWS Giants v Port Adelaide, Manuka (7.35pm)
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, The Gabba (1.20pm)
ROUND 15
Sunday June 22
GWS Giants v Gold Coast Suns, ENGIE Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Bye
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
West Coast Eagles v GWS Giants, Optus Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
GWS Giants v Geelong Cats, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Essendon v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
GWS Giants v Sydney Swans, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
GWS Giants v North Melbourne, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants, People First Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
GWS Giants v St Kilda, ENGIE Stadium
Analysis
GWS have arguably the most consistent fixture of anyone to start off their season, playing exclusively on Saturday and Sunday until at least the start of July. While it’s excellent for the continuity of the side, perhaps the Giants’ commercial team won’t be as pleased? They’ll play West Coast twice, but beyond that they’ll be doubling up against the higher-ranked sides in 2025. There isn’t much else to see here in western Sydney... which isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 7th-hardest
Grade: B+
HAWTHORN
OPENING ROUND
Friday March 7
Sydney Swans v Hawthorn, SCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 1
Friday March 14
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 2
Thursday March 20
Carlton v Hawthorn, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
Hawthorn v GWS Giants, UTAS Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 4
Bye
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval (7.20pm)
ROUND 6
Monday April 21 (Easter Monday)
Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Hawthorn v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Hawthorn v Richmond, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Melbourne v Hawthorn, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Thursday May 15
Gold Coast Suns v Hawthorn, TIO Darwin (7.30pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 12
Friday May 30
Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 13
Thursday June 5
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 14
Friday June 13
Hawthorn v Adelaide Crows, UTAS Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 15
Bye
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Hawthorn v North Melbourne, UTAS Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
St Kilda v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Fremantle v Hawthorn, Optus Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide, UTAS Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Hawthorn v Carlton, MCG
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Hawthorn v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, The Gabba
Analysis
Despite their promising surge up the ladder late this year, the Hawks receive an even split in terms of their 2025 double-ups; scheduled to play two top-six sides, two middle-six teams and two bottom-six clubs. In saying that, the reigning premier Lions are among the sides Hawthorn will play twice next year. The Hawks will receive two nine-day breaks between games in the first 16 weeks of the season, but they have also been handed a five-day break in between a Sunday MCG fixture in Round 9 and a Thursday night match in Darwin in Round 10. They will be prime-time kings in 2025. To just Round 16, Hawthorn has been given four Friday night slots — the most in the competition — and three Thursday night fixtures, as well as its traditional Easter Monday meeting with Geelong in Round 6, allowing for plenty of exposure as Sam Mitchell’s burgeoning side seeks a September return. The Hawks will play four matches at UTAS Stadium next year — their home-away-from-home and where they went 4-0 in 2024. Finally, on an interesting note, Round 24 will be the first time Hawthorn plays at the Gabba this decade.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 4th-hardest
Grade: B
MELBOURNE
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
Melbourne v GWS Giants, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
North Melbourne v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 4
Friday April 4
Geelong Cats v Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Melbourne v Essendon, Adelaide Oval (7.35pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Melbourne v Fremantle, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 7
Thursday April 24
Melbourne v Richmond, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
West Coast Eagles v Melbourne, Optus Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Melbourne v Hawthorn, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
Brisbane Lions v Melbourne, The Gabba (3.20pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
Melbourne v Sydney Swans, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 12
Sunday June 1
Melbourne v St Kilda, TIO Traeger (3.20pm)
ROUND 13
Monday June 9 (King’s Birthday)
Melbourne v Collingwood, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 14
Sunday June 15
Port Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 15
Bye
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne, People First Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Adelaide Crows v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Carlton v Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
St Kilda v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Melbourne v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Hawthorn v Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Collingwood v Melbourne, MCG
Analysis
From a rest point-of-view, there isn’t a plethora to be concerned about at Melbourne, with one five-day break and one nine-day break in the first half of their season. Match-up wise however, they look to have struck gold if 2024 results are anything to go by. They’ll play all of North Melbourne, Gold Coast, St Kilda and West Coast twice, who they will back themselves in to give a good run for their money each outing. The main downside of note? The Demons intriguingly play three away games in a row, with a bye in between to break them up. As a result, they won’t play in Melbourne between Rounds 14 and 17. The Demons look winners from the fixture release, but how much will that time outside of Victoria run them down?
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 2nd-easiest
Grade: A-
NORTH MELBOURNE
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
North Melbourne v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 3
Sunday March 30
Adelaide Crows v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
North Melbourne v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
North Melbourne v Gold Coast Suns, Barossa (12.35pm)
ROUND 6
Friday April 18 (Good Friday)
North Melbourne v Carlton, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 8
Thursday May 1
Essendon v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions, Ninja Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
Richmond v North Melbourne, MCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 12
Bye
ROUND 13
Sunday June 8
North Melbourne v West Coast Eagles, Hands Oval – South Bunbury (3.20pm)
ROUND 14
Saturday June 14
North Melbourne v Fremantle, Optus Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Carlton v North Melbourne, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Hawthorn v North Melbourne, UTAS Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Melbourne v North Melbourne, MCG
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Sydney Swans v North Melbourne, SCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
North Melbourne v Geelong Cats, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
St Kilda v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
GWS Giants v North Melbourne, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
North Melbourne v Richmond, Ninja Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows, Marvel Stadium
Analysis
The biggest takeaway from North Melbourne’s fixture is their two ‘home’ games in Western Australia, which looks to pay major dividends both financially and in 2026 when they get given an additional two home fixtures — however, in terms of pure fixture difficulty, things just got harder. This is the Kangaroos’ way of planning for life after Tasmania when they join the competition in the coming years. They’ll play Richmond twice in 2025, as well as the Crows, Blues, Demons, Swans and Bulldogs – and they probably would’ve hoped for a second crack at West Coast after two great battles against them in 2024. Alastair Clarkson’s men will have one five-day break, and one 10-day break in the first 16 weeks of their season; in what is otherwise a very level fixture in terms of breaks.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 8th-hardest
Grade: C
PORT ADELAIDE
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Collingwood v Port Adelaide, MCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 3
Thursday March 27
Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval (7.20pm)
ROUND 6
Sunday April 20 (Easter Sunday)
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide, SCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide, Mars Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows, Adelaide Oval (8.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Port Adelaide v Geelong Cats, Adelaide Oval (7.35pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 24
Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Optus Stadium (8.10pm)
ROUND 12
Bye
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
GWS Giants v Port Adelaide, Manuka (7.35pm)
ROUND 14
Sunday June 15
Port Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Port Adelaide v Carlton, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide, The Gabba
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide, UTAS Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Adelaide Crows v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Geelong Cats v Port Adelaide, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Port Adelaide v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Carlton v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Port Adelaide v Gold Coast Suns, Adelaide Oval
Analysis
The Power have been handed the competition’s second-toughest slate in terms of opposition 2024 percentage, doubling up against three top-six sides — Sydney, Geelong and Hawthorn — and just one bottom-six side in the Adelaide Crows, who will likely improve in 2025. In a positive, however, Port Adelaide is scheduled to play three consecutive fixtures at Adelaide Oval between Rounds 14 and 16, and four in five weeks at home between Rounds 14 and 18 — allowing for a run to September at the business end of the season.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 2nd-hardest
Grade: C-
RICHMOND
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Thursday March 13
Richmond v Carlton, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
Port Adelaide v Richmond, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
St Kilda v Richmond, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
Richmond v Brisbane Lions, MCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
Richmond v Fremantle, Barossa (12.35pm)
ROUND 6
Saturday April 19
Richmond v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 7
Thursday April 24
Melbourne v Richmond, MCG (7.30pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Hawthorn v Richmond, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
Richmond v West Coast Eagles, MCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
Richmond v North Melbourne, MCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Friday May 23
Essendon v Richmond, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
GWS Giants v Richmond, ENGIE Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
Richmond v Sydney Swans, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 14
Bye
ROUND 15
Sunday June 22
Western Bulldogs v Richmond, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Richmond v Adelaide Crows, MCG
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Geelong Cats v Richmond, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Richmond v Essendon, MCG
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
West Coast Eagles v Richmond, Optus Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Richmond v Collingwood, MCG
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Gold Coast Suns v Richmond, People First Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Richmond v St Kilda, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
North Melbourne v Richmond, Ninja Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Richmond v Geelong Cats, MCG
Analysis
Richmond has the easiest draw in 2025, which is to be expected given their 2024 season yielded the wooden spoon. The Tigers will need to travel out of Melbourne just three times in the first 15 rounds, heading to Adelaide twice (including Gather Round) and NSW to take on the Giants. Having said that, they do have two five-day breaks in the lead up to clashes against Melbourne and Essendon, although those are blockbuster clashes for ANZAC Day Eve and Dreamtime at the ‘G. The Tigers take on Geelong twice in 2025 but have been given favourable double ups against West Coast, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon and the Suns. It’ll take some time for Adem Yze’s side to get back to the promised land, but with their incoming draft haul, keep an eye on the Tigers youthful brigade in 2025.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): Easiest
Grade: A
ST KILDA
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
Adelaide Crows v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval (12.35pm)
ROUND 2
Saturday March 22
St Kilda v Geelong Cats, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 3
Saturday March 29
St Kilda v Richmond, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
Port Adelaide v St Kilda, Adelaide Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Sunday April 13
St Kilda v GWS Giants, Norwood Oval (3.20pm)
ROUND 6
Sunday April 20 (Easter Sunday)
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium (7.20pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 8
Friday May 2
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 9
Friday May 9
St Kilda v Carlton, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
West Coast Eagles v St Kilda, Optus Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
St Kilda v Gold Coast Suns, Marvel Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 12
Sunday June 1
Melbourne v St Kilda, TIO Traeger (3.20pm)
ROUND 13
Bye
ROUND 14
Thursday June 12
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Collingwood v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Fremantle v St Kilda, Optus Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
St Kilda v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Geelong Cats v St Kilda, GMHBA Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
St Kilda v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
St Kilda v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Richmond v St Kilda, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Essendon v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
GWS Giants v St Kilda, ENGIE Stadium
Analysis
A tough start to the season for the Saints where they travel to Adelaide to face the Crows Round 1 and play five top eight sides from last season - including three top four teams - over their first seven games. That’s followed by meetings with Fremantle (Marvel Stadium) and Carlton (MCG) and they host Brisbane at Marvel Stadium too. They’re double up fixtures are against Fremantle, who’s expected to rise up the ladder, Geelong, GWS Giants, Melbourne, Richmond and the Western Bulldogs. The Saints crucially don’t have any five-day breaks in a big win, while they also play an ‘away’ game against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium (Round 15) and make the trip to Darwin to face Melbourne (Round 12). St Kilda finishes its season with three away games - albeit one at Marvel Stadium (Essendon) and another at the MCG (Richmond).
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 9th-hardest
Grade: C-
SYDNEY SWANS
OPENING ROUND
Friday March 7
Sydney Swans v Hawthorn, SCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, SCG (4.15pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
Fremantle v Sydney Swans, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 3
Bye
ROUND 4
Saturday April 5
North Melbourne v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Friday April 11
Collingwood v Sydney Swans, Adelaide Oval (7.40pm)
ROUND 6
Sunday April 20 (Easter Sunday)
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide, SCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Gold Coast Suns v Sydney Swans, People First Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 8
Sunday May 4
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants, SCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Essendon v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Friday May 16
Sydney Swans v Carlton, SCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
Melbourne v Sydney Swans, MCG (3.20pm)
ROUND 12
Saturday May 31
Sydney Swans v Adelaide Crows, SCG (7.35pm)
ROUND 13
Saturday June 7
Richmond v Sydney Swans, MCG (1.20pm)
ROUND 14
Bye
ROUND 15
Saturday June 21
Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, Adelaide Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs, SCG
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
Sydney Swans v Fremantle, SCG
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
St Kilda v Sydney Swans, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Sydney Swans v North Melbourne, SCG
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
GWS Giants v Sydney Swans, ENGIE Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Sydney Swans v Essendon, SCG
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans, The Gabba
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats, SCG
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans, Optus Stadium
Analysis
Given the Swans were grand finalists last year, they should be pretty pleased with the draw they’ve been dealt. The Swans will feature in Opening Round again next year, which means they have two byes in the first 15 rounds, but that is offset by half a dozen six-day breaks. John Longmire’s side will face Brisbane, GWS and Port Adelaide twice in 2025, but they’ve also been handed double ups with Fremantle, Essendon and North Melbourne. Expect the Swans to be around the mark once again in 2025 and really push towards a second flag under Longmire.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 9th-easiest
Grade: B-
WEST COAST EAGLES
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Sunday March 16
West Coast Eagles v Gold Coast Suns, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 2
Sunday March 23
Brisbane Lions v West Coast Eagles, The Gabba (1.10pm)
ROUND 3
Sunday March 30
West Coast Eagles v Fremantle, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
GWS Giants v West Coast Eagles, ENGIE Stadium (1.10pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Carlton v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval (1.20pm)
ROUND 6
Friday April 18 (Good Friday)
West Coast Eagles v Essendon, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 7
Sunday April 27
Hawthorn v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
West Coast Eagles v Melbourne, Optus Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 9
Sunday May 11
Richmond v West Coast Eagles, MCG (1.10pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 18
West Coast Eagles v St Kilda, Optus Stadium (4.40pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Sunday May 25
Adelaide Crows v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval (1.10pm)
ROUND 12
Sunday June 1
West Coast Eagles v Geelong Cats, Optus Stadium (7.20pm)
ROUND 13
Sunday June 8
North Melbourne v West Coast Eagles, Hands Oval – South Bunbury (3.20pm)
ROUND 14
Sunday June 15
West Coast Eagles v Carlton, Optus Stadium (6.10pm)
ROUND 15
Bye
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Collingwood v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
West Coast Eagles v GWS Giants, Optus Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Oval
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
West Coast Eagles v Richmond, Optus Stadium
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles, Optus Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Melbourne v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Optus Stadium
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans, Optus Stadium
Analysis
How quickly can the Eagles bounce under new coach Andrew McQualter? Given their struggles in recent times, the Eagles will play the majority of their footy on a Sunday at the start of their 2025 campaign. Highlights include their Good Friday clash with Essendon and the Western Derby and they have three six-day breaks in the first 15 rounds. The Eagles have the sixth-easiest draw in 2025, which can perhaps be considered a little bit stiff given their struggles. The Eagles will face the Giants, Dockers and Blues twice, but also get two fixtures against Melbourne, Adelaide and Richmond.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 6th-easiest
Grade: B-
WESTERN BULLDOGS
OPENING ROUND
Bye
ROUND 1
Saturday March 15
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium (7.35pm)
ROUND 2
Friday March 21
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood, MCG (7.40pm)
ROUND 3
Friday March 28
Carlton v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.40pm)
ROUND 4
Sunday April 6
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium (5.10pm)
ROUND 5 (Gather Round)
Saturday April 12
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Norwood Oval (4.15pm)
ROUND 6
Sunday April 20 (Easter Sunday)
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium (7.20pm)
ROUND 7
Saturday April 26
GWS Giants v Western Bulldogs, Manuka (7.35pm)
ROUND 8
Saturday May 3
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide, Mars Stadium (1.20pm)
ROUND 9
Saturday May 10
Gold Coast Suns v Western Bulldogs, TIO Darwin (7.35pm)
ROUND 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Saturday May 17
Western Bulldogs v Essendon, Marvel Stadium (4.15pm)
ROUND 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round)
Thursday May 22
Geelong Cats v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 12
Bye
ROUND 13
Thursday June 5
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 14
Thursday June 12
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium (7.30pm)
ROUND 15
Sunday June 22
Western Bulldogs v Richmond, Marvel Stadium (3.20pm)
ROUND 16 (days and times TBC)
Thursday June 26 – Sunday June 29
Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs, SCG
ROUND 17 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 3 – Sunday July 6
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 18 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 10 – Sunday July 13
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows, Mars Stadium
ROUND 19 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 17 – Sunday July 20
Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs, The Gabba
ROUND 20 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 24 – Sunday July 27
Essendon v Western Bulldogs, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 21 (days and times TBC)
Thursday July 31 – Sunday August 3
Western Bulldogs v GWS Giants, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 22 (days and times TBC)
Thursday August 7 – Sunday August 10
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG
ROUND 23 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 15 – Sunday August 17
Western Bulldogs v West Coast Eagles, Marvel Stadium
ROUND 24 (days and times TBC)
Friday August 22 – Sunday August 24
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium
Analysis
After finishing sixth last home-and-away season, Luke Beveridge’s side have been given a middle-of-the-pack draw for 2025. The Bulldogs’ fixture is relatively balanced, with just three six-day breaks in the first 15 rounds of the season. They do have a five-day break leading into the match against Geelong the week before their bye, however. The Bulldogs will have to face reigning premiers and arch-rivals Brisbane and GWS twice in 2025, but get double-up fixtures against Essendon, Fremantle, North Melbourne and St Kilda. At their best, the Bulldogs can beat anyone, it’s just a question of whether or not they can put it all together for long enough and at the right time.
Fixture difficulty (based on double-ups): 7th-easiest
Grade: B
