AFL Presents Four Fixture Models for 2028 Season

The AFL presented four fixture models to club CEOs on Monday for the 2028 season, when Tasmania enters as the 19th team. The first model consists of 22 games per team followed by finals. The second model consists of 24 games per team followed by finals.

The third model consists of a 20-game-per-team season leading into a group stage before finals. The fourth model consists of 20 games per team and finals with the addition of a separate in-season tournament.

The group-stage model would reset the competition after each team played 20 matches, including Gather Round and rivalry round. Teams would be split into four groups of four and one group of the bottom three teams. Those four groups would then play matches to determine finishing positions on the ladder ahead of the wildcard round and finals.

The bottom three teams would play each other once to establish draft order. The groups could be split into positions one, eight, nine and 16; two, seven, 10 and 15; three, six, 11 and 14; and four, five, 12 and 13. Teams would have a bye before a neutral round and then a home-and-away game.

CEOs were also told the group stage could be split into two groups of eight or into four groups where the top eight teams play for top-eight positions and teams ninth to 16th play for a wildcard spot. The AFL also presented the 22-game and 24-game models that include Gather Round and additional neutral matches.

The league would explore shorter game times if the 24-game season is implemented. The AFL canvassed a mini-competition either in or out of season that would include a state league All-Stars team in a 20-team competition. Under this proposal, the competition would take a mid-season pause while teams compete for a separate mid-year prize.