The GFNL could have its own version of the AFL’s Opening Round to start the 2025 season.
K rock Football understands at least two clubs have requested AFL Barwon to play on Saturday, April 5, a week before the scheduled official commencement of the season, as they look to capitalise on big-name signings.
Newtown & Chilwell is keen for a meeting with arch-rivals St Joseph’s to kick off the Steve Johnson era at Elderslie Reserve.
Colac is believed to be keen to mark former St Kilda’s star Seb Ross’ first game as playing co-coach with a standalone twilight fixture against 2024 surprise packet Bell Park.
The Tigers are planning for a 5:30pm bounce in what is last day of Daylight Saving to allow crowds from Colac & District matches, including between local rivals South Colac and Colac Imperials being played less than five minutes away at Elliminyt, to make their way to Central Reserve.
The return meeting between the Towners and Joeys will likely be scheduled for the Sunday of King’s Birthday Weekend at Drew Oval after massive crowds attended the match-up in 2022 and 2023.
It is also believed Newtown & Chilwell will feature in a twilight meeting against St Mary’s at Anthony Costa Oval in the first half of the season.
St Joseph’s, which is already locked into its traditional Anzac Day meeting with South Barwon to open Round 2, is also set to play reigning premier Leopold in a blockbuster Easter Saturday clash in the coastal town of Lorne.
If the two “Opening Round” matches are given the green light, all four clubs would play in Round 1 and have a third “bye” during the season.
AFL Barwon is in the process of finalising the GFNL and Bellarine fixtures for 2025, with both expected to be released by December 20.
K rock Football revealed the GDFNL fixture last week.
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