The AFL is adjusting the start times of two matches on Anzac Day, including the significant clash between Collingwood and Essendon, due to an old Tasmanian law. The Anzac Day this year, which falls on a Saturday, has seen four games scheduled, starting with Hawthorn vs Gold Coast in Tasmania, now shifting from its original time of 12.15pm AEST to 12.30pm AEST, complying with the Anzac Day Observance Act of 1929. This legislation stipulates that any sport event in Tasmania cannot commence before 12.30pm on Anzac Day, with penalties for breaches.
As a result of this change, the Collingwood-Essendon match at the MCG will now kick off at 3.20pm instead of 3.15pm to avoid overlap with the earlier Tasmania game. The AFL franchise has previously played matches in Tasmania on Anzac Day, adhering to the same start time in 2021 and 2022. However, this year, the scheduling oversight appears to have overlooked the nearly century-old law when planning the 2026 fixture.
Josh Bowler, the AFL’s head of scheduling, expressed gratitude towards the clubs, broadcasters, and venues for their flexibility in accommodating this alteration. Following the change, Port Adelaide is set to take on Geelong at 6.35pm, while Fremantle will host Carlton at 8.15pm, concluding a day that has emerged as a highlight on the AFL calendar. The evening games’ timings are unaffected.
Additionally, Richmond and Melbourne will resume their tradition of the Anzac Day Eve match on the preceding Friday night, albeit with two struggling teams competing in prime time. This arrangement serves as a tribute to the Anzacs, ensuring that the spirit of remembrance is upheld alongside the celebration of the sport. With over 92,000 fans attending the 2025 Collingwood-Essendon fixture, the Anzac Day matches have consistently attracted large crowds, solidifying their status as a pinnacle of the AFL season.