The AFL has had to adjust the start times for two of its games, including the much-anticipated Anzac Day showdown between Collingwood and Essendon, owing to a 97-year-old law in Tasmania.
This year, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, prompting the AFL to organise four matches throughout the day.
The first game will occur in Tasmania, featuring Hawthorn against Gold Coast, originally set to commence at 12:15pm AEST.
The Bombers line up as part of the Anzac Observance in 2025. AFL Photos via Getty Images
However, Tasmania’s Anzac Day Observance Act of 1929 prohibits any sporting events within the state on Anzac Day from starting prior to 12:30pm.
The legislation explicitly states, “Any sporting event that falls under this section and is held on Anzac Day must not start before 12:30pm.”
Any sports organisation that does not comply with this law may face fines.
As a result, the new start time for the match between the Hawks and Suns has been rescheduled to 12:30pm, with the opening bounce now slated for 12:32pm.
This adjustment also means that the Essendon-Collingwood clash at the MCG will now kick off at 3:20pm, pushed back five minutes to reduce any overlap.
Previously, in 2021 and 2022, the AFL hosted games in Tasmania on Anzac Day, both of which began at 12:30pm.
However, it appears the nearly century-old legislation was overlooked while finalising the 2026 fixture.
In a statement, AFL scheduling chief Josh Bowler expressed gratitude to the clubs, broadcasters, and venues for their cooperation with the change.
“Due to legislative requirements in Tasmania regarding Anzac Day, we have modified the start time for the Hawthorn versus Gold Coast Suns match,” the AFL announcement stated.
“As a direct consequence of this change, we’ve also adjusted the start time for the MCG match to 3:20pm, up from 3:15pm, to minimise overlap between the two matches.”
An Anzac Day game in Tassie in 2022 between Geelong and North Melbourne. Getty
In 2025, over 92,000 spectators filled the MCG for the Pies-Bombers match, with attendance surpassing 90,000 for this fixture every year since 2023.
Port Adelaide will take on Geelong at 6:35pm, while Fremantle hosts Carlton at 8:15pm, wrapping up what has become a highlight of the AFL calendar.
The start times for the evening matches remain unchanged.
This year, Richmond and Melbourne will once again clash in the Anzac Day Eve match, taking place on Friday night.
While this has become a fitting tribute to the Anzacs, it also means that two sides who are struggling will compete during the prime-time slot this Friday.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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