Collingwood Seeks Exemption from AFL's 2026 Opening Round

2025-04-02
Collingwood Seeks Exemption from AFL's 2026 Opening Round
7NEWS

In a surprise move, Collingwood, one of Victoria's most successful football clubs, has expressed its desire to opt out of the Australian Football League's (AFL) opening round in 2026. After participating in the season's inaugural match for the past two years, the team has notified the AFL that it wishes to avoid travelling north for the first round of the upcoming season. This decision may have significant implications for the AFL fixture and scheduling. The AFL season, Australian football, and sports fans are eagerly awaiting the league's response to this request. Key factors such as team performance and fan engagement may influence the AFL's decision.

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