Introducing a New Public Holiday for 2026: Celebrate the AFL Blockbuster at the MCG!

The AFL appears poised to introduce an exciting marquee match to the calendar, as discussions are underway for a primetime game on Labour Day eve in 2026.

This would entail a clash taking place in Victoria on the Sunday night of the Opening Round, providing Melbourne fans with a local match while the remainder of the round unfolds in Queensland and New South Wales.

To date, the Opening Round has not included any fixtures in Victoria across its first two years, but Nine’s chief AFL reporter, Tom Morris, indicates that this may soon change.

“I can reveal tonight that the AFL is considering a Labour Day eve blockbuster at the MCG next year,” Morris shared with 9News Melbourne.

“A refreshed Opening Round is being contemplated, with the MCG advising the league that the venue is available for football on the weekend of March 8 and 9.

“This would bring footy back to Melbourne during the Moomba weekend, and the intention is for it not to interfere with the matches scheduled in the northern states earlier in the round.

“I, for one, would wholeheartedly support this proposal.”

Both Collingwood and Carlton have previously indicated their preference to no longer participate in the Opening Round, with the Pies set to face GWS twice and the Blues getting their wish in 2025 after securing a win against Brisbane in 2024.