The 2026 AFL fixture has landed and footy fans can now start circling the dates that matter. With match-ups released from Opening Round through to Round 16, this year’s schedule delivers rivalry clashes, blockbuster Thursday nights, Easter favourites and a Grand Final rematch worth clearing your diary for.

Below is a deep dive into some of the early highlights, plus the games that fans will be scrambling to secure AFL Tickets for in 2026.

Round 1 Highlights

Carlton v Richmond – Thursday, 7.30pm at the MCG

A traditional rivalry with all the ingredients for a fiery opener. Richmond stunned the Blues early in 2025 and enter 2026 with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Carlton will be eager to climb back into finals contention and will treat this as a tone-setter. Expect a packed MCG and plenty of tension from the first bounce.

Essendon v Hawthorn – Friday, 7.40pm at the MCG

This one is already dripping with storylines. After the high-profile trade saga involving Zac Merrett, both clubs will be desperate to make an early statement. The Bombers and Hawks rarely disappoint on the big stage and this instalment is shaping up to be explosive.

Round 4 – Easter Blockbusters

Brisbane Lions v Collingwood – Thursday, 7.30pm at The Gabba

The reigning back-to-back premiers return home to welcome the Easter long weekend. The Lions dismantled Collingwood in the 2025 Preliminary Final, before storming to a famous flag. Collingwood will be hunting redemption, making this one of the hottest early-season AFL Tickets 2026.

Hawthorn v Geelong – Easter Monday, 3.15pm at the MCG

An Easter tradition that consistently delivers show-stopping footy. The Hawks and Cats served up two classics last season, including a memorable Preliminary Final. Hawthorn’s fearless young side will look to continue their rise, while the Cats will be aiming to reassert themselves as premiership contenders.

Round 6 – Carlton v Collingwood

Thursday, 7.30pm at the MCG

A rivalry dating back to the 1800s and still one of the fiercest in modern sport. Both clubs expect to be in the finals conversation and both know how important these four points will be. A sell-out is almost guaranteed. If you want AFL Tickets to this one, you’ll need to move early.

Round 8 – Collingwood v Hawthorn

Thursday, 7.30pm at the MCG
This match-up is always fiery, but 2026 adds something special. It could be the night Scott Pendlebury breaks the all-time games record. The crowd will be massive, the atmosphere electric and the stakes sky-high between two clubs with genuine premiership aspirations.

Round 9 – Two Massive Clashes

Brisbane Lions v Carlton – Friday, 7.20pm at The Gabba

These two sides have developed a budding rivalry through finals battles and Opening Round contests. Carlton have rarely enjoyed success at The Gabba, but their late surge in 2023 suggests they can compete. Brisbane’s hunt for a historic three-peat adds even more intrigue.

Geelong v Collingwood – Saturday, 7.35pm at the MCG

Two powerhouse clubs of the past twenty years meet again in what is shaping up as a season-defining contest. Both have flags in recent memory and both are desperate to keep their premiership windows alive for their veteran stars. This has “instant classic” written all over it.

Round 10 – Grand Final Rematch

Brisbane Lions v Geelong – Thursday, 7.30pm at The Gabba

The rematch everyone has been waiting for. Geelong left the 2025 Grand Final believing they let a golden opportunity slip. Months of frustration, analysis and motivation will come to a head in this blockbuster. Facing the Lions at The Gabba is never easy, but the Cats will arrive with purpose.

Round 13 – King’s Birthday Eve

Essendon v Carlton – Sunday, 7.20pm at the MCG

This fixture has fast become a fan favourite. The tension between these two clubs is as strong as ever and both enter 2026 with something to prove. Carlton have their eyes on a deep September run, while Essendon will be eager to give their loyal supporters a signature win on a marquee night.

Secure Your AFL Tickets for 2026

With so many blockbusters, rivalry clashes and historic milestones on the horizon, demand for AFL Tickets 2026 will be at an all-time high. Whether you’re backing your club, chasing a seat at one of the season’s biggest moments or planning footy trips with mates, securing your tickets early is the best way to avoid missing out.

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