AFL primed for 23 Thursday night matches for 2025

AFL fans will see more Thursday night football than ever before in 2025, with matches scheduled in the prime slot in all bar two home-and-away rounds next season.

The move was confirmed by AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon ahead of Thursday's release of the full season fixture.

It comes as part of the AFL's new $4.5 billion broadcast deal, which starts next year.

"There has been a strong desire from fans and our broadcast partners for more Thursday night football and we are excited to be able to deliver in spades next season," Dillon said.

"Fans will be able to take in a total of 23 games of Thursday night football next season, which is more than there has ever been."

The 2025 season will start on a Thursday night when reigning premiers Brisbane host Geelong at the Gabba in "Opening Round''.

Carlton will take on Richmond in their traditional round-one fixture in the same time-slot.

The AFL has also confirmed Carlton-Hawthorn and Essendon-Port Adelaide matches on Thursday nights in rounds two and three respectively.

Thursday night matches will feature in the first 16 weeks of the fixture, which will be locked in.

A further seven Thursday night matches will be played later in the season as part of a floating fixture, with the schedule to be confirmed during the season.

Essendon will play four Thursday night games in the first 16 weeks, with Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs all featuring three times.

The MCG and Marvel Stadium will host four Thursday night matches in that period.

The Gabba will host three and Optus Stadium one, with Adelaide Oval hosting a Thursday night clash when the Crows meet Geelong at the start of Gather Round.