AFL fixture: five blockbuster must-watch games in 2025

A LOOK AT FIVE OF THE BIG GAMES ON THE 2025 AFL CALENDAR

* Brisbane Lions v Geelong, Gabba, March 6

A rematch of this year's classic preliminary final. The Lions will open the season by unfurling their premiership flag in front of a what will surely be a sell-out crowd at the Gabba. It could be the first time Bailey Smith appears in Cats colours after his high-profile move from the Western Bulldogs.

* Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, April 13

Promises to be one of the most fiery encounters of the season. Hawthorn will face the Power for the first time since they lost an epic, and controversial, semi-final by three points. After fining Port coach Ken Hinkley for taunting outspoken Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan in the aftermath of the game, the AFL had no problem fixturing the eagerly-anticipated rematch to end Gather Round.

* Geelong v Western Bulldogs, GMHBA Stadium, May 22

Bulldogs supporters would have searched for this game first when the fixture was announced. Bailey Smith left the club on bad terms, with his mind seemingly already made up about an exit 12 months before it became official. Sitting with Cats players at the preliminary final, before even his trade was official, was not a popular move. The midfielder, who is returning after a year on the sidelines due to an ACL injury, is sure to receive a hostile reception from the travelling 'Dogs faithful.

* Essendon v Richmond, MCG, May 23

For almost 20 years, the 'Dreamtime At The G' match has been locked into a Saturday night timeslot. In 2025, the blockbuster that celebrates Indigenous culture will move forward to the Friday night stage and become arguably a bigger event than it already is.