Round 17 of the 2025 Australian Football League (AFL) will see Essendon take on the Gold Coast SUNS at Optus Stadium.
Essendon have had very tumultuous season so far as they have struggled with consistency. With just six wins and eight losses, they are now placed 13th on the AFL ladder heading into Round 17. They also boast the second-worst attack in the league thius far.
The Suns had a spectacular start to their season with seven wins in their opening nine games. However, they then went on a three game losing streak that has thrown them off the hunt for the top spot, nonetheless, they remain in the fight to reach the Finals Series.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Essendon vs. Gold Coast free live stream, free-to-air channel
- Live Stream: Kayo, Foxtel
- TV Channel: Fox Footy
- Free-to-air: --
Kayo and Foxtel are providing both live and catch-up coverage of the match. The clash will also be available to watch on Fox Footy.
Fans can stream Essendon vs. Gold Coast on Kayo which is currently offering a free trial for new subscribers so you can essentially watch this game and others this week for free. The match will also be streamed on the AFL website.
Essendon vs. Gold Coast start time
- Date: Saturday, July 5
- Start Time: 12:35 p.m. AEST
- Venue & Location: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
The AFL Round 17 game between Essendon and the Gold Coast SUNS will be played on Saturday, July 5 at 12:35 p.m. AEST.
It will be played at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria.
Here's how that kick-off time translates to the various Australian time zones:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time | Saturday, July 5 | 12:35 p.m. |
| Australian Central Standard Time | Saturday, July 5 | 12:05 p.m. |
| Australian Western Standard Time | Saturday, July 5 | 10:35 a.m. |
AFL 2025 fixture schedule this week
Thursday, July 3
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Melbourne vs. Bulldogs | Marvel Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
Friday, July 4
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Livestream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton vs. Collingwood | MCG | 7:20 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo, Binge |
| West Coast Eagles vs. GWS Giants | Optus Stadium | 8:20 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
Saturday, July 5
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon vs. Gold Coast SUNS | Marvel Stadium | 12:35 p.m. | Fox/ Kayo |
| Geelong Cats vs. Richmond | GMHBA Stadium | 4:15 p.m. | Fox /Kayo |
| Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide | Gabba | 7:35 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| St Kilda vs. Hawthorn Hawks | Marvel Stadium | 7:40 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
Sunday, July 6
| Fixture | Venue | Time (AEST) | TV/Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Swans vs. Fremantle | SCG | 1:10 p.m. | Fox/Kayo |
| Adelaide Crows vs. Melbourne | Adelaide Oval | 3:20 p.m. | Seven, Fox/Kayo |