New Sydney superstar Charlie Curnow will square off against his former side Carlton in the first match of the 2026 AFL season.

7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary has revealed the five matches that will take place in the Opening Round.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Details of AFL’s Opening Round revealed.

The Swans and Blues will kick off the new season on Thursday, March 5 in an SCG blockbuster that will see Curnow take on his former teammates for the first time.

Curnow secured a move to the Swans in the final hour before the trade deadline last month, while experienced Swans Will Hayward and Ollie Florent ended up at the Blues.

It sets the scene for an explosive season opener, which will be live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport .

It gives Carlton a seven-day break into the

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