Jimmy Bartel Dismisses AFL Legends’ Appeals to ‘Move On’ from Opening Round

According to Jimmy Bartel, a straightforward adjustment to the Opening Round format might be just what the AFL requires to quell the increasing calls for the model’s discontinuation.

This Opening Round model was introduced with the goal of broadening the AFL’s appeal in northern states, specifically with matches scheduled in New South Wales and Queensland.

However, the start of the 2025 season in Queensland was disrupted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which led the AFL to relocate two matches to later in the season.

The round has seen mounting pressure for the league to rethink its approach, yet AFL CEO Andrew Dillon remains supportive of the initiative.

“There’s growing support for the Opening Round,” he told Nine’s Footy Classified last week.

“Every year, we assess the events we put on, and last year the Opening Round… showed positive signs with ticket sales and club memberships in NSW and Queensland performing better than in previous years.”

“While circumstances beyond our control occurred in Queensland, we’re poised to return even stronger next year.”

Bartel acknowledged the league’s objectives for the Opening Round but suggested a reworking of the format to engage a wider audience.

“They’ve created an additional week,” Bartel commented on Nine’s Footy Furnace.

“We can devise a solution… Is it time to host all the games outside of Victoria?”

“The success of the Opening Round stems from the fact that the four northern clubs receive all the attention.”

Bartel likened this format to Gather Round, highlighting that the league’s initial aim for the event, which is held in Adelaide, was to rotate it around the country each season.

“Adelaide has made a compelling case for it to remain there, and we all concur,” he remarked.

“Other states have their own derbies and showdowns… The AFL is striving to offer something unique for the northern states.”

“I’d love to be tuning into footy at the MCG this week, but that’s just the reality that Andrew Dillon is presenting.”

With ten clubs located in Victoria and just two matches held to kick off the 2025 season, St Kilda legend Leigh Montagna believes the AFL must acknowledge that the format is flawed.

“The Opening Round has truly missed the mark; I believe it needs to be scrapped immediately—this should be the last time we see it,” Montagna stated on Fox Sports’ First Crack.

“While only two games were played, I would feel the same if four games had taken place.”

“The slight advantage the AFL thinks they gain by having exclusive matches in the northern states is overshadowed by the inequalities regarding player safety, fixturing, and several other factors.

“The NRL is on… there isn’t a void in the northern states’ market.”

“The fixturing and the ladder will likely be chaotic—more importantly, the fans don’t want it, nor do the clubs.

“I think it’s time to admit they may have got it wrong. I’m all for trying new things, but let’s move on—this hasn’t worked.”

Former North Melbourne star David King supported Montagna’s viewpoint, stating, “I consider it to be a gimmick.”

“It was decent the first year, but it hasn’t proven effective in its second. It’s time to let it go.”