AFL Season Launch: SUNS and Cats Clash in Opening Round Blockbuster

Match Day Preview: AFL Season Launch on the Coast

The wait is finally over for Gold Coast sports enthusiasts as professional football returns to the glitter strip today, Friday, 6 March 2026. In what is set to be a landmark evening at People First Stadium, the Gold Coast SUNS host the Geelong Cats for an explosive Opening Round clash. With a massive crowd expected and a host of new faces in the lineup, the city is buzzing for the official start of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

The Main Event: Gold Coast SUNS vs. Geelong Cats

Damien Hardwick’s side is ready to kickstart their campaign under the Friday night lights. This match serves as the centerpiece of a major sporting day in the Carrara precinct, marking the SUNS' first competitive outing of the year. The atmosphere is predicted to be electric as the local side looks to establish People First Stadium as a fortress early in the season against a perennial powerhouse like Geelong. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the pre-game atmosphere and enjoy the local festivities.

• Venue: People First Stadium, Carrara
• Main Game Kick-off: 7:05 PM AEST
• Gates Open: 5:00 PM AEST

Player Storylines and Milestones

Today’s match features several significant narratives that have the local community talking. Most notably, star recruit Christian Petracca will pull on the SUNS guernsey for the very first time in a premiership match, bringing his elite championship experience to the Gold Coast midfield. In a special moment for the club academy, Zeke Uwland is set to make his AFL debut alongside his older brother, Bodhi. The pair will become only the second set of brothers to ever play for the club together, following in the footsteps of Gary and Nathan Ablett.

The club will also honor a stalwart of their defensive unit today. Vice-captain Sam Collins reaches a major personal milestone as he runs out for his 150th AFL game. With 136 of those matches played in the red and gold, Collins remains a cornerstone of the team’s identity and will be vital in containing the Cats' dangerous forward line.

Early Action: VFL Curtain Raiser

For those looking to make a full day of it, the action begins well before the main bounce. The SUNS’ VFL side will play a curtain-raiser match against Geelong’s reserves on the adjacent Austworld Centre Oval. This is a prime opportunity for supporters to see the club's emerging talent and depth players in action. Blockbuster pre-show entertainment is also scheduled inside the main stadium starting from 5:00 PM to build the hype before the senior teams take the field.

• VFL Match: SUNS vs. Cats Reserves
• VFL Kick-off: 3:00 PM AEST
• Location: Austworld Centre Oval (Carrara Precinct)

Essential Fan Information

Attendees are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the integrated transport options provided for this event. Free public transport is included with all pre-purchased tickets, covering Kinetic Bus services, Queensland Rail, G:Link light rail services, and dedicated event shuttles from Broadbeach South, Nerang Railway Station, and the Boowaggan Road Park’n’Ride.