The AFL has released details for Round 1 of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership season, with Geelong set to head interstate to kick off a blockbuster campaign. 

The Cats will commence the season with a trip to the SCG to take on Sydney, with the game set to take place on Wednesday March 17 at 7.30pm. 

It will mark the opening game of the AFL season, as the Cats face one of last year's Preliminary Finalists in the hopes of starting their year on a positive note. 

Geelong will return to the SCG for the first time since Round 23 of the 2025 season, where they defeated the Swans by 43 points to secure a spot in Finals, after not having played at the venue in 2026. 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats runs through the team banner with team mates during the round 23 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 17, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

The Cats actually hold a relatively strong record at the SCG, with 22 wins, one draw and 17 losses in 40 games at the venue, with four wins and a draw coming from their last eight visits. 

It will also mark just the fifth time in V/AFL history that Geelong have played a game for premiership points on a Wednesday, with the most recent occasion coming in Round 10 of the COVID-affected 2020 season. 

Geelong Cats Chief Operating Officer Marcus King said the Club was excited to begin its 2027 campaign in the AFL season opener.

"The first match of the season is always one of the most anticipated games on the AFL calendar, so we're thrilled to have the opportunity to take on Sydney to launch our 2027 campaign.

"With just 141 days until the first bounce, we're looking forward to the remainder of the fixture being unveiled and to having our members and supporters behind us in 2027."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 17: Oliver Dempsey of the Cats celebrates a goal during the round 23 AFL match between Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats at Sydney Cricket Ground on August 17, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos)

The Round 1 fixture announcement follows the AFL's release on Monday in regards to Gather Round in 2027, with the Cats set to take on St Kilda at Barossa Park in the fifth edition of the AFL's initiative. 

The remainder of the 2027 AFL fixture is expected to be released shortly. Memberships are available for Geelong's exciting 2027 campaign, head to https://membership.geelongcats.com.au/packages to secure your seat today. 

2027 AFL Season | Round 1


Wednesday 17 March

Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats

7.30pm, SCG - Gadigal