The Essendon Football Club has today been advised by the AFL that its Opening Round match against the Gold Coast SUNS will be rescheduled to the end of the 2025 home-and-away season.

The Gold Coast v. Essendon game will be played as part of Round 24, in addition to our currently scheduled Round 24 match against Carlton.

“We stand with the AFL in prioritising the health and safety of the Queensland and New South Wales communities,” Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said.

“The Club has worked closely with the AFL over the past few days on a number of different rescheduling options and we are confident that this outcome is the best option available for our players and Club, given the very unique circumstances that have arisen.

“It was extremely important to our players and staff that the mid-season bye was preserved and we are pleased that the AFL have respected this request.

“We will continue to work with the AFL on the scheduling of our Rounds 17-24 matches to prioritise the very best outcome for our players and the wider Club.”

The AFL will announce the confirmed date and start time of the rescheduled match once the floating fixture has been locked away.

We will collaborate closely with the AFL and ticketing partners to ensure our members and supporters are provided with the best possible alternative arrangements.