The AFL has announced the fixture for Round One of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with the Sydney Swans to face the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, March 18.
The Swans last played the Suns on their home soil in Round 6, 2021.
AFL EGM Clubs, Broadcast and Fixturing Travis Auld said a 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final re-match was discussed as an option for round one but ultimately not fixtured in the best interests of the fans.
“After discussing a potential Grand Final rematch to open the season, it was determined in consultation with Geelong, the reduced capacity of GMHBA Stadium paired with a potential Wednesday night match in Melbourne, wasn’t the best option for Cats’ fans to travel up the highway for a midweek night match.
The Swans have played Gold Coast on 14 occasions since 2011, winning 10 games.
Round 1, 2023
Thursday, March 16
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, 7.20pm AEDT, Seven
Friday, March 17
Geelong v Collingwood, MCG, 7.40pm AEDT, Seven
Saturday, March 18
North Melbourne v West Coast, Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT, Fox
Port Adelaide v Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT, Fox
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.25pm AEDT, Seven
Gold Coast v Sydney Swans, Metricon Stadium, 7.00pm AEST, Fox
Sunday, March 19
Greater Western Sydney v Adelaide, Giants Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT, Fox
Hawthorn v Essendon, MCG, 3.20pm AEDT, Seven
St Kilda v Fremantle, Marvel Stadium, 4.40pm AEDT, Fox
