AFL Alters Anzac Day Match Times Following Discovery of Century-Old Tasmanian Legislation
The Australian Football League has been compelled to modify the start times for two separate games scheduled for Anzac Day next Saturday, after uncovering a 97-year-old state law in Tasmania that prohibits sporting events from commencing before 12.30pm on the commemorative day.
Schedule Adjustments for Hawthorn vs. Gold Coast and Essendon vs. Collingwood Clashes
In a significant oversight during the original fixturing process, the AFL failed to account for the Tasmania’s Anzac Day Observance Act, which has been in effect since 1929. As a result, the early match between Hawthorn and Gold Coast at UTAS Stadium in Launceston has been pushed back by 15 minutes, moving from 12.15pm AEST to 12.30pm AEST.
Consequently, to reduce scheduling conflicts and ensure minimal overlap, the traditional Anzac Day showdown between Essendon and Collingwood at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has also been adjusted. This high-profile game has been delayed by five minutes, shifting from 3.15pm AEST to 3.20pm AEST.
Collaborative Efforts and Historical Context of Anzac Day Games in Tasmania
Josh Bowler, the AFL’s head of scheduling, expressed gratitude for the cooperative approach taken by all parties involved. He stated, “We thank the clubs, our broadcast partners Foxtel and Channel 7, as well as UTAS Stadium and the MCG for collaboratively working together on a solution.”
This incident highlights the historical significance of Anzac Day matches in Tasmania, where such games have occurred only four times in the past. The most recent instances were in 2022 and 2011, both of which adhered to the 12.30pm AEST start time mandated by the longstanding legislation.
Unchanged Evening Fixtures and Broader Fixture Release Details
Meanwhile, other Anzac Day fixtures remain unaffected by this legal revelation. The evening clash between Port Adelaide and Geelong at Adelaide Oval is still set for 6.35pm AEST, and Fremantle’s encounter with Carlton at Optus Stadium will proceed as planned at 8.15pm AEST.
The full AFL fixture for the 2026 season was initially released in late November, but this adjustment serves as a reminder of the intricate planning required to navigate state-specific regulations and honour historical traditions.
