AFL Finals 2025 Kick Off with Prime-Time Blockbusters
The stage has been set, the top four is locked in, and the AFL has now confirmed the opening fixtures for the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series. Fans have been waiting for this announcement, and the league has delivered two prime-time blockbusters to launch September action.
The first qualifying final will see Adelaide take on Collingwood at Adelaide Oval on Thursday, September 4. That clash promises fireworks, not only because it’s the Crows back on home turf as minor premiers, but also because it’s a rematch of their thrilling round 23 encounter, where Adelaide got the better of the Magpies by just three points. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with Collingwood traveling into what will no doubt be a very hostile environment. Tickets for that game, along with the rest of week one finals, will be available from Thursday, August 28, with sale times to be confirmed by the AFL.
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Then, on Friday, September 5, the action shifts to the MCG where Geelong will face Brisbane in the second qualifying final. This one carries its own storyline, as the two sides are meeting on the same ground where they played a classic preliminary final last year. On that occasion, the Lions came out on top by 10 points, so the Cats will be looking for revenge under the bright lights of Friday night footy. Due to contractual agreements, the game will be staged at the MCG rather than Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, which some argue would have been the fairer option. Even Cats coach Chris Scott voiced his frustration, describing the AFL’s stance as “logically unfair,” but it’s clear the league has prioritized maximum crowd numbers over home-ground advantage.
Saturday, September 6, has been reserved for the two elimination finals, but the details are being held back until after Wednesday night’s rescheduled clash between Gold Coast and Essendon. That game will decide the makeup of the bottom half of the eight. Greater Western Sydney is already locked in to host one elimination final at Engie Stadium, while Fremantle will host the other at Optus Stadium. Their opponents will depend on whether Gold Coast can break through for their first-ever finals appearance or whether Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs secure those spots instead.
The AFL’s Head of Strategy and Scheduling, Josh Bowler, explained that while the final positions are still to be settled, certainty was needed for fans. “With the top four locked in, it was important to give supporters the chance to plan,” he said. He also praised the season so far, with more than seven million fans attending games and millions more tuning in across the country.
So, the picture is clear: Adelaide v Collingwood on Thursday night, Geelong v Brisbane on Friday night, and two elimination finals on Saturday that will complete what promises to be a blockbuster first week of finals. Excitement is building, tickets are about to go on sale, and footy fans are ready for one of the most thrilling Septembers in years.
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