FOOTY will be back in just a matter of weeks, with the full pre-season schedule of games now locked in ahead of the start of the new premiership season.
There is less than a month before the first official game of 2026, the AAMI Origin clash between Western Australia and Victoria on Saturday, February 14.
Clubs have also arranged unofficial match simulation sessions amongst themselves to be played from February 16 to 21, the week before the AAMI Community Series of official practice games.
The AAMI Community Series will run from Wednesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1, with all 18 teams to play at regional and suburban grounds around the country.
The 2026 premiership season will begin on Thursday, March 5.
All AAMI Community Series games will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, and will be ticketed for fans to attend. Tickets will go on sale from Wednesday, February 4 at 12pm AEDT (full details here).
The unofficial match simulation sessions will also be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, with ticket details to be communicated by the competing clubs.
The AAMI Community Series matches will consist of four 20-minute quarters plus time on (as during the premiership season) while there will be no interchange cap. Extended squads of 30 players will take part; 18 on the field, eight interchange and four emergencies.
“The AAMI Community Series gives fans a great chance to see their teams and new players in action before the season begins,” AFL head of strategy and scheduling Josh Bowler said.
“We’re especially excited to host three of the nine games in Ballarat, giving local fans the chance to enjoy elite football in their backyard while the redevelopment of Mars Stadium continues.”
2026 AAMI AFL Origin
Saturday, February 14
Western Australia v Victoria, Optus Stadium, 4.40pm AWST
Unofficial match simulations
You can watch all 2026 pre-season match sims exclusively on Kayo and Foxtel
Monday, February 16
Hawthorn v Geelong, Kennedy Community Centre, 1.45pm AEDT (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)*
Wednesday, February 18
Brisbane v Carlton, Brighton Homes Arena, 5pm AEST. Free entry (4 x 30 min quarters, no time on, extended bench)
Thursday, February 19
Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval, 2pm AEDT, (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
Gold Coast v St Kilda, People First Stadium, 6.45pm AEST. Free entry, no tickets required (4 x 20 min quarters, plus time on)
Friday February 20
Essendon v Richmond, NEC Hangar, 10.30am AEDT. Fans wishing to attend must register here (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
Collingwood v Greater Western Sydney, La Trobe University Sports Park (Bundoora), 11am AEDT (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time on)
Melbourne v North Melbourne, Casey Fields, 4pm AEDT (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on + scenario training)**
Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Alberton Oval, 5.30pm ACDT. Free entry, first in, best dressed (4 x 20 min quarters, plus time on)
Saturday February 21
Fremantle v West Coast, Victor George Kailis Oval (Cockburn), 9am AWDT (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on)
* game moved from 3.15pm AEDT to 1.45pm AEDT
** game moved from 4.30pm AEDT to 4pm AEDT
2026 AAMI Community Series fixture
Wednesday, February 25
Carlton v Geelong, Ikon Park, 7.10pm AEDT
Thursday, February 26
Sydney v GWS, Henson Park, 4.10pm AEDT
Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 6.10pm AEST
Friday, February 27
Melbourne v Richmond, Mars Stadium, 4.10pm AEDT
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Mission Whitten Oval, 7.10pm AEDT
Saturday, February 28
St Kilda v Essendon, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm AEDT
Fremantle v Adelaide, Rushton Park, 3.10pm AWST
Sunday, March 1
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm AEDT
West Coast v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, 3.10pm AWST
