FOOTY will be back in just a matter of weeks, with the pre-season schedule of games taking shape before 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 will also arrange unofficial match simulation sessions amongst themselves to be played in the week before the AAMI Community Series of official practice games. Some of these unofficial match-ups have already been arranged, with more details to be announced soon (see details below).
The nine-match series of official pre-season games 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.
As announced last year, Carlton and Geelong will open the 2026 AAMI Community Series at Ikon Park, while matches will be played on three consecutive days at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, 90 minutes west of Melbourne, across the weekend on February 27 to March 1; Richmond v Melbourne, Essendon v St Kilda and Collingwood v North Melbourne.
Caleb Serong celebrates a goal during Fremantle’s AAMI Community Series clash against Melbourne at Rushton Park on March 2, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
All AAMI Community Series games will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo, and will be ticketed for fans to attend. There will be free general admission for competing club members, AFL members, and children (subject to capacity). Tickets will be available in the new year.
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.
Matt Kennedy kicks for goal during the Western Bulldogs’ clash with Port Adelaide at Mars Stadium, Ballarat in round eight, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
“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.”
The trio of games in Ballarat comes amid redevelopment works at Mars Stadium, which saw the match between the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in round 18 this year moved to Marvel Stadium. Under the revised agreement between the Bulldogs and Mars Stadium, the two premiership games originally planned for Ballarat in 2026 will also be played at Marvel Stadium.
Details of pre-season match simulation sessions between clubs will be communicated by the competing clubs, with broadcast and ticketing details yet to be confirmed.
2026 AAMI AFL Origin
Saturday, February 14
Western Australia v Victoria, Optus Stadium, 4.40pm AWST
Unofficial match simulations*
Thursday, February 19
Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval, time TBC
Friday February 20
Melbourne v North Melbourne, Casey Fields, time TBC, seven periods of play
Details TBC
Essendon v Richmond
Fremantle v West Coast
* more to be announced
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
