Victoria is set to have one AFL game in the controversial opening round next year, with the MCG seen as the ground of choice.
The AFL introduced opening round as a way to play games in markets where it wants to improve its reach, with New South Wales and Queensland exclusively hosting the games.
Both NSW and Queensland are seen as rugby-oriented states, with the AFL wanting to capitalise on their markets as rugby games are not played during their opening round.
However, respected journalist Caroline Wilson told Channel 7's The Agenda Setters that the AFL is looking at hosting a game at the MCG in next year's fixture.
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"My understanding is it’s going to be on Sunday night, probably at the MCG, and almost certainly involving the Collingwood Football Club," Wilson said.
“My belief it will be the only other game in opening round. And St Kilda, in the coming days, are going to put forward a fascinating proposal to the AFL.
“It’s St Kilda’s one big fixture request for 2026.”
Wilson explained that St Kilda had some key reasons why they wanted to participate in the fixture.
“St Kilda want to declare this, their annual Spuds game. Today, being actually the anniversary of the late, great Danny Frawley’s death, Spuds game will be played on the Sunday night. They want to play against Collingwood.
“It will be also the 60th anniversary year of their only premiership victory over the Collingwood Football Club (a famous one-point win).
“And I think the club see it as a perfect opportunity to launch a documentary that they’re making at the moment, that they started making after the re-signing of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ... so it’s going to be a really interesting proposal."