The AFL’s 2026 season opener has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with prominent figures within the sport questioning the league’s scheduling decisions and their impact on competitive balance and fan engagement. For the third year running, the Australian Football League opted for an “Opening Round,” a format that sees only 10 of the 18 teams participate, leaving a significant portion of the competition on the sidelines during the season’s initial week.
This staggered start has not been met with universal approval, drawing widespread condemnation and prompting some coaches to voice their frustrations about the inherent inequalities it creates.
The Opening Round Conundrum: A Competitive Disadvantage?
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was particularly vocal, stating that the AFL “have got it wrong” after his team commenced their campaign against Geelong. The Cats, having already played a match, were perceived to have a distinct advantage. Longmuir highlighted the reality of the situation, noting that Fremantle held a substantial 35-point lead at one stage before ultimately being run down.
“Anyone who’s been around football would realise it’s an advantage,” Longmuir commented. “We should all start the season the same way; there should be no competitive advantage for any team playing a game before they play another team.”
His sentiments were echoed by the new Melbourne coach, Steven King, even though his Demons secured a victory in their opening match. King publicly agreed with Longmuir, expressing his willingness to participate in an Opening Round that spans across the entire nation.
Bye Rounds: A Fragmented Season?
Beyond the initial Opening Round, the AFL’s fixture for the early part of the season presents further complexities with a series of bye rounds. Several teams are scheduled to have a week off in consecutive rounds:
- Round 2: Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, and Geelong will all be on a bye.
- Round 3: Hawthorn, Sydney, the Western Bulldogs, and Gold Coast will have their turn to rest.
- Round 4: St Kilda and GWS will take their break.
This pattern has led to a perceived lack of continuity, a concern amplified by Australian Football Hall of Famer Garry Lyon. Speaking on AFL360, Lyon expressed his bewilderment at the AFL’s approach to building season momentum.
Garry Lyon’s Scathing Critique
“When you want to kick a season off, and you want momentum, and you decide to plan an Opening Round which is going to polarise, at the very least you’ve then got to get on a roll,” Lyon stated. He pointed to specific examples of extended breaks for prominent clubs.
“This is what we’re dealing with; the Hawks and the Swans play (on Thursday night), then Sydney has got 16 days off. And the Hawks have 18 days off until Easter Monday. That’s nearly three weeks of footy that you’re not going to see the Hawthorn Footy Club play. What is that about?”
Lyon also highlighted the significant break for Carlton, a team currently generating considerable interest and emotional investment from fans. “And Carlton, who are of great interest, an infatuation, who have stirred the emotions of everyone, they’re going to have 17 days off.”
He stressed that this wasn’t an isolated issue, but rather the beginning of a broader pattern. “This is the first of eight byes, there are eight byes throughout the course of the season; this isn’t a three-week situation.”
Impact on Fan Engagement and Crowds
The timing of these breaks, particularly for teams that are expected to draw significant crowds and generate excitement, has also come under scrutiny. Lyon pointed out that four of the teams not playing in the opening week include several preliminary finalists – the very teams the AFL should be aiming to showcase to build atmosphere and encourage game attendance.
“Four of those teams that aren’t playing this weekend… three of them are preliminary finalists… the teams you want to generate the feeling and the emotion and the spirit and drag people out to the game… crowds are down a little bit. You’ve got to be playing Brisbane, Geelong and Collingwood, and the other one is Carlton.”
Lyon concluded his assessment with a strong statement: “It doesn’t sit right.” The concerns raised by Lyon, Longmuir, and King suggest a growing unease within the AFL community about a fixture that may be sacrificing competitive fairness and fan engagement for a fragmented and potentially momentum-killing start to the season.
