AFL fixture: The five must-watch games not involving Fremantle or West Coast in 2027

With the AFL fixture officially released on Thursday morning, these are the five must-watch games not featuring a West Australian club in 2027.

Round 2 - Brisbane vs Collingwood, Gabba, Thursday, May 25

Lachie Neale’s future was one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 season, with the two-time Brownlow medallist putting pen to paper to join the Pies after nearly nine months of speculation.

And the 33-year-old won’t have to wait long to make his return to the Gabba, with the two sides set for a Thursday night blockbuster in just the second week of the season. The clash will also coincide with the Lions unveiling their third-straight premiership flag.

Round 2 - Geelong vs Hawthorn, MCG, Monday March 29

The Easter Monday match-up continues to produce instant classics time after time, and with both sides coming in off the back of two mammoth trade periods, this one promises not to disappoint.

It’ll be the first time both Toby Greene and Rowan Marshall will turn out in front of the Geelong faithful in Melbourne, while Ben King and Zach Merrett will get their first taste of one of footy’s greatest rivalries.

Round 3 - Hawthorn vs Essendon, MCG, Saturday April 3

While last year’s wooden spooners taking on perhaps the flag favourites may not jump off the page as a must-watch match-up, Merrett’s move from the struggling Bombers to the stacked Hawks will add a massive layer of interest.

Questions will surround the reception Merrett receives from Essendon fans and whether they decide to honour or boo their former skipper and seven-time fairest and best winner.

Round 4 - Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, Sunday April 11

Gather Round has quickly become one of the marquee events on the AFL calendar, and the AFL appear to have got it spot on with their decision to close out the blockbuster weekend with a Zak Butters and Port Adelaide reunion.

And while you’d expect the duo of Marcus Bontempelli and Butters to make light work of the rebuilding Power, Port Adelaide have a strong 3-1 win-loss record at Gather Round, while the Bulldogs are yet to register a victory across its four editions.

Round 8 - Sydney Swans vs North Melbourne, SCG, Saturday, May 8

Nick Blakey’s departure from Sydney was one of the biggest trades in recent memory, with the dashing defender’s relationship with the club going south so quickly following the Pullman Hotel scandal that he’s found his way to North Melbourne.

Blakey will be set for a frosty reception on his return to the SCG from the fans, but how his former teammates treat the 26-year-old will also be a major talking point in the lead-up.