NEXT year's AFL Grand Final will be staged in October, with the 2015 season kicking off across the Easter long weekend.
 
At a meeting with the clubs' CEOs on Thursday, the AFL confirmed the Grand Final will be played on Saturday, October 3.
 
The first match next season will be played on Thursday, April 2 – the day before Good Friday.
 
It is "most unlikely" any football will be played on Good Friday next season, however an AFL spokesman confirmed Good Friday football "may be considered" from 2016 onwards. 
 
The later than usual start to the season is due to the 2015 Cricket World Cup being staged in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
 
The World Cup final will be played at the MCG and the AFL has delayed its season until all grounds are available.
 
There will only be one bye during the home and away season.
 
The AFL also confirmed the majority of matches in next year's pre-season NAB Challenge will be played at regional and suburban grounds, to take the game to regions that don't usually host matches.