A media report claims the Sydney Swans could open the 2027 AFL season against the Geelong Cats on Wednesday, March 17, at the SCG. The AFL has not yet released its Round 1 fixtures, and the match has not been confirmed. All 18 teams will play on the same weekend to open the season, after Opening Round was scrapped. The Cats have added Toby Greene and Rowan Marshall, while the Swans are expected to remain strong under Dean Cox following a deep finals run in 2026.
Brisbane have been given a primetime Thursday night opening match at Gather Round in 2027, against co-hosts Adelaide on April 8. The round closes on Sunday night with Zak Butters facing his former club Port Adelaide, now as a Western Bulldogs player. Brisbane have won all four of their past Gather Round matches, by an average of 38.5 points. Other grudge matches include Rowan Marshall facing former club St Kilda, and Essendon meeting North Melbourne after facing Melbourne in recent years. The round is played across four days in South Australia.
Home building approvals in Geelong have risen 34 per cent over the past year to August, close to levels last seen in the 2022 Covid boom, according to KPMG analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. The pipeline now sits at around 4000 new homes. KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said the rise shows growing confidence in the city's long-term growth, but stressed that approved projects must now move through to construction. Lara has overtaken Armstrong Creek as the region's top approval area, with the activity shifting north.
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St Kilda may be moving to sign forward Jake Stringer, according to SEN's Sam Edmund. Three days earlier, Saints general manager of footy Lenny Hayes had said there had been no discussions about Stringer, but Edmund says things have moved quickly. Stringer kicked 48 goals for GWS this season, and the Saints are looking for more veteran forward presence and goals. The deal is not yet finalised.
Geelong has been active in the AFL offseason, adding Jordan Ridley, Rowan Marshall and Toby Greene. Some commentators are already naming the Cats as premiership favourites. Former Collingwood midfielder Tom Mitchell, speaking on Trade Radio, said Geelong has the deepest list in the competition and can rest players regularly. He predicted the Cats will win the premiership next year. The writer argues it is too early to call favourites, pointing to Brisbane, Fremantle and Hawthorn as contenders. Injuries derailed the Western Bulldogs last season after they started as favourites.
The United Firefighters Union Victoria is threatening court action against members who have not paid a $644 levy to cover its legal costs. The union's financial reports show legal bills of almost $2.3 million last financial year. Letters from law firm Slater and Gordon warn that unpaid members may also be ordered to pay interest and costs. Union secretary Peter Marshall said members agreed to the levy at five meetings and that every member was contacted several times before receiving a letter.
St Kilda has made few moves this offseason, with Rowan Marshall's move to Geelong its only major signing. Commentator Tom Morris says the club should offer picks 10 and 16 to Collingwood for Jordan De Goey and Dan Houston, whose futures are uncertain. He says the club's salary cap may be tight. The writer doubts Collingwood would accept, noting the club has added Jesse Hogan and Lachie Neale and is aiming for another premiership.
The federal government has allocated $16 million to construct 29 new homes for women and children escaping family violence in Geelong and Armstrong Creek. These dwellings, to be completed within two years, will provide accommodation for individuals at risk of homelessness. Housing Minister Clare O’Neil emphasised the importance of safe housing for vulnerable Australians. The announcement coincided with the opening of a 77-apartment social housing development in Newtown, funded by the Housing Australia Future Fund. This project increased the site’s capacity from 22 to 77 apartments, with some units prioritised for crisis housing.
Geelong has traded pick 14 in this year’s draft and a 2028 third-round selection to St Kilda for ruckman Rowan Marshall. The 30-year-old requested a move after St Kilda recruited Tom De Koning. Geelong needed to strengthen its ruck stocks following Rhys Stanley’s retirement. Nick Blakey, a 2024 All Australian, is being pursued by five clubs, including Geelong, as he tests the water for a possible trade from Sydney.
Sydney Swans list manager Chris Keane has dismissed reports Nick Blakey could be traded, despite the defender meeting with rival clubs. Blakey is contracted for five more years, and Keane insists the club has no intention of trading him. Geelong’s chances of securing Blakey have diminished after trading pick 14 to St Kilda for Rowan Marshall. Blakey and four other Swans players are under investigation for an alleged sexual assault incident in Melbourne in August.
Sydney Swans player Nick Blakey is reportedly keen to join Geelong, but the Cats face challenges in securing his services. Geelong's draft position and the Swans' reluctance to deal with them complicate the potential transfer. Meanwhile, Geelong must also consider Rowan Marshall's desire to remain with the club, creating a complex decision for the Cats' leadership. The situation remains speculative until official statements are made. A board meeting will determine Geelong's approach to the matter.
Geelong faces a tough decision in the AFL offseason, potentially having to choose between recruiting Sydney Swans star Nick Blakey or Rowan Marshall. The Cats have limited draft capital after the Jordan Ridley deal, and former Western Bulldogs player Brad Johnson argues Blakey would be the better choice. Blakey's potential move is unconfirmed, but speculation suggests he may want to join Geelong, creating a dilemma for the club.
St Kilda co-captain Cal Wilkie has expressed understanding and support for teammate Rowan Marshall's trade request to Geelong. Wilkie praised Marshall's character and contributions, acknowledging the team will miss him. With one year left on his contract, Marshall's move appears likely, as the Saints have Tom De Koning as their primary ruckman. Wilkie emphasised no ill-will exists within the playing group, who remain focused on the club's future. The Saints face pressure to finalise a deal, as retaining Marshall for 2027 could damage their reputation.
