AFL 2026: Pre-Season Kickoff Dates & Matchups

The 2026 AFL AAMI Community Series pre-season fixture has been unveiled, marking 78 days until the season proper. The series will see all 18 clubs participate in their final tune-ups before the Opening Round on March 5. Fans can catch every moment live and exclusively on Fox Footy and Kayo.

The action kicks off on Wednesday, February 25, with Carlton hosting Geelong at Ikon Park. The following day, February 26, features a Sydney Derby and the Brisbane Lions against the Gold Coast Suns. Melbourne and Richmond will then open a three-day stretch of games in Ballarat, Victoria.

Additional matches include the Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn and St Kilda vs. Essendon in Ballarat, with Fremantle taking on Adelaide in Mandurah, and North Melbourne facing Collingwood. West Coast will also host Port Adelaide. Admission to these games is free for club and AFL members, as well as children, with tickets going on sale in February. Earlier in the month, the AFL Origin match will see Western Australia host Victoria on February 14.