The Western Bulldogs will face reigning minor premiers Fremantle in their first home-and-away hitout of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

The Dogs will travel to Perth for a Thursday night blockbuster on March 18th, with the match starting at 8:10pm AEDT (5:10pm AWST).

The game at Optus Stadium could be the first chance to see Zak Butters run out in red, white and blue in a competitive game.

The match will not be the season opener, with a Wednesday night game scheduled in Sydney, but is one of the standout games selected to launch Round 1.

The 2027 season start date is later than normal due to the MCG hosting the 150th anniversary Test match between Australia and England from March 11-15.

Freo beat the Dogs twice in 2026 on their way to a Grand Final appearance and a narrow loss to the triple-premier Brisbane Lions.

On Monday it was confirmed that the Dogs would face Port Adelaide in the closing match of Gather Round on Sunday 11 April at Adelaide Oval.

The AFL will confirm further details on the 2027 Toyota Premiership Season fixture later this week.

2027 AFL ROUND ONE FIXTURE

Wednesday 17 March | Sydney Swans vs Geelong Cats, 7:30pm, SCG (SEVEN) 
Thursday 18 March | Fremantle vs Western Bulldogs, 5:10pm, Optus Stadium (SEVEN) 
Friday 19 March | Hawthorn vs Brisbane Lions, 7:40pm, MCG (SEVEN) 
Saturday 20 March | Richmond vs Carlton, 12:35pm, MCG (KAYO) 
Saturday 20 March | Adelaide Crows vs GWS GIANTS, 3:45pm, Adelaide Oval (KAYO) 
Saturday 20 March | St Kilda vs Collingwood, 7:40pm, MCG (KAYO) 
Sunday 21 March | North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide, 1:10pm, Marvel Stadium (KAYO) 
Sunday 21 March | Melbourne vs Essendon, 3:15pm, MCG (SEVEN) 
Sunday 21 March | West Coast Eagles vs Gold Coast SUNS, 3:10pm, Optus Stadium (KAYO) 
*All times local 

TICKETING

Tickets for Round 1 of the 2027 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will go on sale at a later  date, with details to be communicated in advance.