Essendon and Hawthorn seek prime-time Round 1 clash in 2027
The clubs want to meet at the MCG after Zach Merrett’s move to Hawthorn, while Port Adelaide and Brisbane have also lodged fixture requests.
Essendon and Hawthorn have requested a prime-time MCG meeting in Round 1 of the 2027 AFL season, following their agreement on Zach Merrett’s trade to the Hawks. The proposed fixture would put the former Bombers captain up against his old club immediately.
Merrett won Essendon’s best-and-fairest award seven times. The two sides have met in Round 1 each year since 2023, although the introduction of Opening Round in 2024 meant those games were no longer in the season’s first round.
Opening Round has now been dropped after three years. The 2027 season is set to begin on either 17 or 18 March, following the final day of the 150th anniversary Test between Australia and England. Carlton and Richmond are expected to contest the MCG’s first match on 19 March.
The AFL is also considering Port Adelaide’s request to face the Western Bulldogs and Zak Butters during Gather Round, which is confirmed for 8–11 April in South Australia.
Brisbane has sought a Round 2 game at the Gabba against Collingwood on Easter Thursday. That would reunite the Lions with Lachie Neale, who joined Collingwood after claiming his third successive premiership medal with Brisbane.
