OPENING ROUND
collingwood will take on the saints at the MCG on sunday night has been rescheduled due to…
The AFL’s much-anticipated Opening Round has taken another twist, with the highly awaited clash between Collingwood and St Kilda at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) being officially rescheduled. Originally set for a Saturday evening blockbuster, the match will now take place on Sunday night, following adjustments made to the AFL’s early-season fixture to accommodate venue availability, broadcast priorities, and team travel logistics.
The league confirmed the change earlier this week, noting that several small shifts were made across the Opening Round to ensure maximum exposure for marquee games and fair rest periods for participating clubs. AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations, Laura Kane, explained that the reshuffle was aimed at balancing competitive integrity with fan access and scheduling efficiency. “We know how important the Opening Round is in setting the tone for the season,” she said. “These changes were made to give fans the best experience possible, both at the ground and on broadcast.”
For Collingwood, the reigning premiers, the reschedule adds a new layer to their season-opening campaign. After a triumphant 2024 season that saw them lift the premiership cup, the Magpies are eager to begin their title defence on home soil. The MCG remains their fortress, and fans are expected to turn out in massive numbers despite the change in time slot. Sunday night football at the ‘G has proven successful in the past, drawing strong attendance and television ratings, and this matchup is likely to continue that trend.
Coach Craig McRae has expressed confidence that his side will be ready regardless of the time or day. “Our players have adapted to every kind of challenge thrown at them,” McRae said during training at Olympic Park. “We’re just excited to get out there in front of our supporters and start our season strong. The MCG is home, and Sunday night under lights—it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Their opponents, St Kilda, are entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism under coach Ross Lyon. The Saints showed glimpses of brilliance last year but struggled with consistency. The Opening Round presents an early opportunity for them to prove they can compete with the league’s elite. Lyon has embraced the rescheduled fixture, stating, “It’s a great stage for us. Playing Collingwood at the MCG to start the year—there’s no better test. Our boys are ready for it.”
The AFL’s decision also aligns with the league’s broader strategy to enhance fan engagement across multiple days of the round. By spreading marquee fixtures across the weekend, fans can enjoy a full slate of high-quality football without major overlap. This move has been met with mixed reactions—some supporters prefer traditional Saturday blockbusters, while others welcome the extended viewing experience.
Despite the schedule shuffle, anticipation remains sky-high. The Magpies vs Saints rivalry carries decades of history, emotion, and unforgettable moments. With Collingwood’s attacking flair and St Kilda’s defensive discipline, the matchup promises an electric contest filled with intensity and storylines.
As the lights shine over the MCG on Sunday night, both clubs will aim to make a statement in front of thousands of fans. The AFL’s rescheduling may have changed the time—but it hasn’t dimmed the excitement surrounding one of the biggest games of Opening Round.
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