The AFL has adjusted the start times for two of its fixtures, including the highly-anticipated Anzac Day match between Collingwood and Essendon, due to a 97-year-old law in Tasmania. With Anzac Day coinciding with a Saturday this year, the league has slated four games for the day.
The opening match, featuring Hawthorn against Gold Coast, was initially set for 12:15 PM AEST but has now been pushed back to 12:30 PM, with the first bounce occurring at 12:32 PM. This adjustment is mandated by Tasmania’s Anzac Day Observance Act 1929, which prohibits sporting events from commencing in the state before 12:30 PM. The legislation imposes fines on any sporting body that violates its stipulations.
As a result of this change, the Collingwood-Essendon game at the MCG will also see its start time shifted back by five minutes to 3:20 PM to avoid overlapping coverage. The AFL had successfully held matches in Tasmania on Anzac Day in previous years with start times that complied with this law.
AFL’s head of scheduling, Josh Bowler, expressed gratitude to clubs, venues, and broadcasters for accommodating the changes, stating that they were necessary to align with Tasmanian legislation. The adjustments were made after the league overlooked the nearly century-old law during the 2026 fixture planning.
The Collingwood-Essendon clash is expected to draw a massive crowd, building on a trend where more than 90,000 fans have attended each season since 2023. Later games scheduled for the day include Port Adelaide against Geelong at 6:35 PM and Fremantle hosting Carlton at 8:15 PM, with those times remaining unaffected.
Additionally, the traditional Anzac Day eve match will see Richmond take on Melbourne on the preceding Friday night, though this year will feature two teams struggling for form. Overall, the changes highlight the commitment of the AFL to honour the spirit of Anzac Day while navigating the complexities of local laws.