Opening Round - 2026

[Beaussie]

Big wins for Sydney and Gold Coast to open the 2026 season.

Thursday night had the biggest average tv audience, and better tv ratings than any prime time home and away game from the 2025 season. Streaming numbers very pleasing for Channel 7 too.

AFL Opening Round smashed the much hyped NRL in Vegas season opener in the tv ratings too.

Opening Round is here to stay.

Rank Description Network Reach Average BVOD

1 SEVEN’S AFL: THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Seven 2,251,000 780,000 131,000



Australia’s Game

[Beaussie]

The Gold Coast Suns recorded a crowd of 19,859 at People First Stadium for their 2026 AFL Opening Round clash against the Geelong Cats on Friday night.

And an encouraging crowd for Greater Western Sydney this afternoon. I noticed Albo and Tom Hanks in the crowd today too.