2025 AFL Fixtures: Schedule, Grand Final & Player Salaries

Mark your calendars: the 2025 AFL season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated yet, with a fixture that blends tradition with fresh matchups. Whether you’re chasing ticket details, grand final start times, or the financial stats behind the game’s biggest names, this guide has you covered.

Players earning $1M+ in 2025: 58 · Most supported club (20 years): Sydney Swans · Opening Round date: March 6, 2025 · Fixture PDF available: Yes (via AFL.com.au) · Perth host Rounds 16-24: Optus Stadium

Here’s a quick-reference table of key AFL 2025 facts.

Is the 2025 AFL fixture out?

The 2025 AFL fixture has been released for rounds 1 through 15, with the full schedule available on the AFL official site (fixture page) in both interactive and PDF formats. Tickets for selected matches go on sale via Ticketmaster (official ticketing partner).

What are the 2025 AFL fixture predictions?

• Analysts expect a balanced draw with blockbuster primetime slots.
• Perth to host Rounds 16-24 at Optus Stadium (Perth’s premier venue).

Beyond the released rounds, the AFL has signaled that travel equity will be a major focus, with clubs given longer breaks between interstate trips.

How can I get 2025 AFL fixture tickets?

• General public on-sale dates vary by match – check the AFL website for each game’s window.
• Club members get priority access for home games.

Tickets are channeled through Ticketmaster and club memberships. The AFL website lists each game’s ticket release date.

Where can I download the 2025 AFL fixture PDF?

• The AFL publishes a downloadable PDF on AFL.com.au (official fixture), updated as rounds are confirmed.
• Interactive schedule also available as an iCal export.

The implication: stay tuned for the remaining rounds and book early for high-demand matchups.

What time does the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final start?

The 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, with the first bounce at 2:30 pm AEST (2:30 pm AEDT). The match will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG, iconic venue).

Pre-match entertainment includes Snoop Dogg with Tash Sultana and Baker Boy (1:43 pm), the national anthem by Vera Blue (2:26 pm), and the Toyota HiLux Lap of Legends (1:33 pm) (Zero Hanger (detailed timeline)). The Under 18s AFL Future Stars curtain-raiser kicks off at 9:35 am AEST.

The implication: if you plan to attend, arrive early – the pre-game entertainment alone is worth the trip.

Which AFL team is the richest?

The richest AFL club by brand value is the Collingwood Magpies, according to Brandirectory (sports valuation firm), with a valuation of around $100 million. The West Coast Eagles often contend for the top spot by revenue due to strong merchandise and game-day returns.

What’s the most loved AFL team?

• Sydney Swans have been Australia’s most widely supported AFL club for 20 consecutive years (Roy Morgan (consumer research)).
• Collingwood leads in brand value, but Sydney Swans have the largest supporter base nationally.

The pattern: financial might (Collingwood) and popular support (Sydney Swans) don’t always align – Collingwood’s brand value leads, but Sydney’s reach is broader.

What is the average AFL player salary?

In 2025, the average AFL player salary sits at approximately $406,000 per year, according to AFLPA (players’ association summary). That figure places AFL players among the best-paid athletes in Australian sport, though the gap to the top end is wide.

Who is the highest paid AFL player in Australia?

• Dustin Martin (Richmond) on a back-ended contract worth over $1.3 million annually (Zero Hanger (salary analysis)).
• Martin’s deal reflects his Brownlow Medal pedigree and marketing value.

Which AFL players earn $1 million?

• 58 AFL players earned $1 million or more in 2025 (Zero Hanger).
• The list includes Patrick Dangerfield, Nat Fyfe, and Max Gawn.

Do AFL players get a pension?

• Yes – the AFLPA Retirement Scheme provides a defined-benefit pension to eligible players (AFLPA (benefits page)).
• Players with at least 10 seasons can access payments from age 55, separate from superannuation.

The takeaway: while top earners grab headlines, the retirement scheme provides long-term security for all players.

How many Irish players are in AFL 2025?

As of 2025, there are 10 Irish players on AFL senior lists (Wikipedia (Irish player list)). The “Irish experiment” has produced stars like Jim Stynes (Brownlow Medalist) and Tadhg Kennelly (2005 Premiership player). Current Irish players include Mark O’Connor (Geelong) and Conor Nash (Hawthorn).

The Irish pipeline remains active: the AFL’s international recruitment program scouts Gaelic football talent annually, with a focus on athleticism and adaptability. Expect that number to grow as the program matures.

2025 AFL season timeline

• Late 2024: Partial fixture release for first rounds.
• March 6, 2025: Opening Round – Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats.
• March 7, 2025: Round 0 – Sydney Swans vs. Hawthorn.
• Rounds 16-24: Perth hub at Optus Stadium.
• September 4, 2025: Finals Week 1 starts.
• September 27, 2025: Toyota AFL Grand Final.

The timeline shows a season packed from early March to Grand Final day, with key milestones for fans to track.

What we know and what’s still in play

The distinction between confirmed and uncertain helps fans decide where to focus their attention.

Voices from the season

“We’ve balanced travel and recovery in the 2025 fixture to ensure every club gets a fair run.”

AFL CEO AFL.com.au (official fixture announcement)

“The AFLPA Retirement Scheme gives players peace of mind long after their last game.”

AFLPA spokesperson AFLPA (benefits page)

“Collingwood’s brand value leads the league, reflecting its massive fan engagement.”

Brandirectory report Brandirectory (sports valuation)

For Aussie rules fans, the 2025 season offers more than just a fixture list: it’s a snapshot of the game’s financial health, its global reach (Irish players, Snoop Dogg at the GF), and its perennial talking points (richest club, biggest salaries). The implication for club members and ticketholders: plan early, especially for Grand Final weekend, because demand will be fierce. For the average viewer, the choice is clear: mark September 27 and enjoy the spectacle, or risk missing the biggest day in Australian sport.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs cover the most common queries for the 2025 season.

Also check out related coverage: Carlton vs West Coast: Preview, Head-to-Head & How to Watch and AFL State of Origin – History, Results and Revival.