The AFL has abandoned its Opening Round experiment. The decision follows on from widespread criticism about the disputed format. The league will return to a standard season structure. The special early-season round has now been dropped.

Eddie McGuire has floated an idea to change the AFL finals format. He said the idea could make the postseason bigger. McGuire spoke out after the league moved to scrap the special early-season round. His finals proposal arrives after the move to abandon Opening Round.