The GIANTS will open their AFL season with a blockbuster clash with Collingwood for a second straight year as part of the AFL’s Opening Round in 2025.
The GIANTS will welcome the Magpies to town for a thrilling Opening Round match-up in what is sure to be another thrilling sold-out clash at ENGIE Stadium following this year’s mouthwatering match in the inaugural Opening Round.
The GIANTS and the ‘Pies will close out the 2025 Opening Round with a bang in the fourth and final game of the round on Sunday, March 9 at 3:20pm at ENGIE Stadium.
The GIANTS will be hoping for a repeat performance from the correlating 2024 fixture, with the Orange Tsunami overpowering the 2023 premiers with an impressive 32-point win at ENGIE Stadium as part of the inaugural Opening Round.
Featuring four matches played across New South Wales and Queensland ahead of the traditional round one fixture, Opening Round was successfully introduced in the 2024 season in an effort to continue to grow the game in the northern states.
GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews said he is thrilled that the club will take part in Opening Round once again in 2025.
“This year’s inaugural Opening Round at ENGIE Stadium was undoubtedly a success and we’re excited that the AFL will continue to shine a spotlight on Sydney and NSW as we continue to grow the game nationally,” Mr Matthews said.
“The creation of new and national AFL events like Opening Round is very important. It is the best way to capture attention and support the growth of the game.
“We can’t wait to welcome Collingwood back to ENGIE Stadium to kick-start our 2025 season in front of what is sure to be another sold-out crowd.
“The GIANTS achieved a new club record of over 36,000 members this year and we are looking to continue that climb in 2025 and hopefully we can start off the season on a winning note against the ‘Pies in front of a packed out home crowd.”
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said that the success of Opening Round earlier this year presented a unique opportunity to feature four matches across NSW and Queensland, where footy continues to grow in popularity.
“After a successful start to the 2024 season, we look forward to continuing the momentum in 2025 before we head into a blockbuster round of matches in round one,” Mr. Dillon said.
“Footy is growing exponentially in New South Wales and Queensland - all four clubs saw more than 10 per cent growth in membership this past season and we have seen community participation numbers grow a combined 17 per cent this year.
“We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to have access to our major venues in Queensland and New South Wales a weekend earlier than usual which gave us a unique opportunity to create Opening Round and we are thrilled these venues are available to us again for next year.
“Given this Opening Round weekend also falls on the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria, it presents a terrific opportunity for fans to travel north to support their club and enjoy an extended interstate break.
“We continue to strive to have footy in every home around the country, whether that be playing, coaching, umpiring, supporting or volunteering and starting the season across Queensland and NSW will only amplify this desire.
“I would like to thank our venues and the clubs for supporting our Opening Round vision.”
The complete 2025 AFL fixture will be released later this week.
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