A rematch of this year's classic preliminary final. The Lions will open the season by unfurling their premiership flag in front of a what will surely be a sell-out crowd at the Gabba. It could be the first time Bailey Smith appears in Cats colours after his high-profile move from the Western Bulldogs.
* Sydney v Brisbane Lions, SCG, March 15
How Sydney pick up the pieces following their second grand final smashing in three years will be one of the stories to follow in 2025. The Swans don't have to wait long for redemption, hosting their September conquerors in their second game of the season. A home-and-away win won't make up for the disappointment of a lost flag, but getting one back on the Lions will show how Sydney processed the MCG mauling.
Lethal and Fages, Fort and Big O 🥹— AFL (@AFL) #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/3KECBonyNWSeptember 28, 2024
* Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, April 13
Promises to be one of the most fiery encounters of the season. Hawthorn will face the Power for the first time since they lost an epic, and controversial, semi-final by three points. After fining Port coach Ken Hinkley for taunting outspoken Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan in the aftermath of the game, the AFL had no problem fixturing the eagerly-anticipated rematch to end Gather Round.
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* Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, May 22
Bulldogs supporters would have searched for this game first when the fixture was announced. Bailey Smith left the club on bad terms, with his mind seemingly already made up about an exit 12 months before it became official. Sitting with Cats players at the preliminary final, before even his trade was official, was not a popular move. The midfielder, who is returning after a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, is sure to receive a hostile reception from the travelling 'Dogs faithful.
Bailey Smith will go head to head with his former side in round 11. (HANDOUT/GEELONG FOOTBALL CLUB)
* Essendon v Richmond, MCG, May 23
For almost 20 years, the 'Dreamtime At The G' match has been locked into a Saturday night timeslot. In 2025, the blockbuster that celebrates Indigenous culture will move forward to the Friday night stage and become arguably a bigger event than it already is.
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