The AFL has introduced a mid-season double-header at Marvel Stadium during Sir Doug Nicholls round when Carlton will host GWS and North Melbourne will be the home team against Collingwood in separately ticketed matches.

It will be the first double-header at the AFL-owned stadium. The Blues will play in the afternoon before vacating the stadium for Kangaroos and Magpie fans to arrive.

We unpack the newly released fixture.

Jack Ginnivan has become a walking headline drawing people to the football

Hawthorn have leapt into primetime after their stunning performances in 2024, meaning Hawks fans will need to get used to watching their team under lights again.

The Hawks have seven Thursday or Friday night fixtures in the first 15 rounds as they drag the competition into the modern age with their look-at-me attitude and aggressive, fast style of football.

The Cats will play Richmond twice but their other double opponents are tougherCredit: Fairfax

The Hawks’ first three matches are under lights in primetime and they return for four Thursday and Friday nights in five rounds between rounds 10 and 14.

Anyone who plays Richmond twice in 2025 is likely to be a winner as the Tigers rebuild their list with a bunch of high draft picks after losing premiership players Shai Bolton, Jack Graham, Liam Baker and Daniel Rioli in this year’s trade period.

And one of the lucky recipients is last year’s preliminary finalists and perennial contenders Geelong, who play the Tigers in round 17........

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