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2026 AFL season

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2026 AFL premiership season
Date5 March – 26 September 2026
Teams18
Attendance
Matches played75
Total attendance2,976,865 (39,692 per match)
Highest92,231 (round 7, Essendon v Collingwood)
Updated to Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs (round 9).
← 2025

The 2026 AFL season is the 130th season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest-level senior men's Australian rules football competition in Australia. The season features 18 clubs and will run from 5 March to 26 September, comprising a 23-match home-and-away season over 25 rounds, with a five-week finals series featuring the top ten clubs to occur for the first time.

Background

In October 2025, the AFL announced two major changes to be brought into the competition for the 2026 season: the substitute rule was removed in favour of a five-player interchange; and the ball would no longer be bounced in the centre of the ground by a field umpire at the start of quarters and after goals, and would be thrown up instead.[1] The removal of the centre bounce ended a tradition dating back to 1887, with AFL executive general manager of football performance Greg Swann explaining that the skill of bouncing the ball was hindering the development of umpires and that the change would allow umpires to focus more on decision-making and reduce the likelihood of players making accidental umpire contact.[1] The AFL announced seven rule changes to reduce game length by approximately three minutes:[2]

  • The 6–6–6 rule would no longer require at least one player from each team to be in the goalsquare for centre ball-ups.
  • A 'last disposal' free kick would be awarded if the ball crossed the boundary line from a disposal between the 50-metre arcs, unless a nearby player does not attempt to play the ball or blocks an opponent.[a]
  • Ruckmen would no longer be allowed to cross the centre line during centre ball-ups, intended to increase the frequency of jumping ruck contests.
  • Players taking kick-ins would only be given eight seconds to restart play, down from approximately twelve seconds.
  • Field umpires could immediately restart play at around-the-ground ball-ups if a nominated ruckman was too far away or no nomination was made, however the 'third man up' was still not allowed.[b]
  • Players who shrug a tackle would be deemed to have had prior opportunity when considering holding the ball free kicks.
  • Players inside the five-metre protected area after a mark or free kick to an opponent would be required to stand the mark and would no longer be allowed to move out of the area.

Last disposal out of bounds decisions fell within the purview of decisions reviewable by the AFL Review Centre (ARC),[3] as had all out of bounds decisions since the 2025 finals series.[4] There was a key error late in the Geelong v Adelaide match in round 3: the boundary umpire incorrectly paid a last disposal free kick to Geelong instead of Adelaide, and Geelong restarted play before ARC had a chance to intervene, ultimately resulting in a goal to Geelong who won by eight points.[5] The AFL admitted the error the following day and announced a review of its ARC review processes.[3]

The AFL introduced a wildcard finals round, adding an extra week to the existing finals series and increasing the number of finalists from eight to ten; at the end of the home-and-away season, the seventh-placed team would host the tenth-placed team and eighth would host ninth in wildcard finals, before the remainder of the finals series would continue as per the previous final eight system.[6] The change was the first change to the AFL finals system since 2000.[7] The change was negatively received by the AFL Fans Association;[6] however, sports rights analyst Colin Smith explained that the league was protecting the value of the current $4.5 billion broadcast right deal by implementing the new system, with more finalists meaning fewer dead rubber matches later in the home-and-away season.[8]

A State of Origin match took place for the first time since 1999, with Western Australia playing Victoria at Optus Stadium in February 2026;[9] Victoria won the match by 24 points.[10]

Rules governing voting for the Brownlow Medal were changed, to provide umpires a set of player statistics prior to the lodging of votes.[11]

Coach appointments

New coach Club Date of appointment Previous coach Ref.
Josh Carr Port Adelaide 12 February 2025[c] Ken Hinkley [12]
Steven King Melbourne 12 September 2025 Simon Goodwin [13]

Club leadership

Club Coach Leadership group
Captain(s) Vice-captain(s) Other leader(s) Ref.
Adelaide Matthew Nicks[14] Jordan Dawson Ben Keays, Alex Neal-Bullen Isaac Cumming, Darcy Fogarty, Reilly O'Brien, Riley Thilthorpe [15]
Brisbane Lions Chris Fagan[14] Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley,
Hugh McCluggage		 Oscar Allen, Will Ashcroft, Jarrod Berry, Jaspa Fletcher, Cam Rayner [16]
Carlton Michael Voss[17] Patrick Cripps Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering [18]
Collingwood Craig McRae[14] Darcy Moore Nick Daicos, Brayden Maynard Darcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott, Isaac Quaynor, Lachie Schultz [19]
Essendon Brad Scott[20] Andrew McGrath Jye Caldwell, Sam Durham, Brayden Fiorini, Kyle Langford, Nic Martin, Mason Redman [21]
Fremantle Justin Longmuir[22] Alex Pearce Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong Jordan Clark, Jaeger O'Meara, Sam Switkowski, Josh Treacy, Hayden Young [23]
Geelong Chris Scott[14] Patrick Dangerfield Tom Stewart [24]
Gold Coast Damien Hardwick[14] Noah Anderson Sam Collins, Touk Miller Ben King, Wil Powell, Matt Rowell [25]
Greater Western Sydney Adam Kingsley[14] Toby Greene Jack Buckley, Tom Green, Connor Idun [26]
Hawthorn Sam Mitchell[27] Jai Newcombe, James Sicily [28]
Melbourne Steven King[29] Max Gawn Jack Viney [30]
North Melbourne Alastair Clarkson[31] Nick Larkey Harry Sheezel Charlie Comben, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tristan Xerri, Cameron Zurhaar [32]
Port Adelaide Josh Carr[33] Connor Rozee Zak Butters, Willem Drew Aliir Aliir, Miles Bergman, Mitch Georgiades, Jack Lukosius [34]
Richmond Adem Yze Toby Nankervis Tim Taranto Nathan Broad, Tom Lynch, Jack Ross, Jayden Short [35]
St Kilda Ross Lyon[14] Jack Sinclair, Callum Wilkie Mitch Owens, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mason Wood [36]
Sydney Dean Cox[14] Callum Mills Isaac Heeney [37]
West Coast Andrew McQualter[14] Liam Baker, Liam Duggan Matt Flynn, Reuben Ginbey, Jack Graham, Brandon Starcevich, Jake Waterman [38]
Western Bulldogs Luke Beveridge[14] Marcus Bontempelli Aaron Naughton, Ed Richards Bailey Dale, Matthew Kennedy, Tom Liberatore, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West [39]

Pre-season

State of Origin

Main article: 2026 AFL Origin

Starting time is local time. Source: afl.com.au

2026 AFL Origin
Saturday, 14 February (4:40 pm) Western Australia 15.11 (101) def. by Victoria 18.17 (125) Optus Stadium (crowd: 58,141)
3.1 (19)
8.4 (52)
11.6 (72)
15.11 (101)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 6.3 (39)
11.8 (74)
15.11 (101)
18.17 (125)
 Graham Moss Medal: Jesse Hogan (Greater Western Sydney)
E. J. Whitten Medal: Lachie Ash (Greater Western Sydney)
Hogan 5, C. Cameron 3, Jackson 2, Waterman 2, Bolton, Hill, Warner Goals King 4, Dangerfield 2, Greene 2, McCluggage 2, Merrett 2, Bontempelli, Butters, Daicos, Serong, Smith, Xerri
Hogan, Warner, Barrass, Hill, Baker, Bolton Best Daicos, Bontempelli, Serong, King, Butters, Ash, Stewart

Practice matches

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

Official practice matches
Wednesday, 25 February (7:10 pm) Carlton 13.8 (86) def. Geelong 11.5 (71) Ikon Park
Thursday, 26 February (4:10 pm) Sydney 14.13 (97) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.11 (59) Henson Park
Thursday, 26 February (6:10 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.12 (126) def. Gold Coast 15.11 (101) Brighton Homes Arena
Friday, 27 February (4:10 pm) Melbourne 12.6 (78) def. Richmond 6.7 (43) Mars Stadium
Friday, 27 February (7:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 18.9 (117) def. Hawthorn 11.7 (73) Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday, 28 February (3:10 pm) St Kilda 17.13 (115) def. Essendon 10.12 (72) Mars Stadium
Saturday, 28 February (3:10 pm) Fremantle 12.12 (84) def. Adelaide 9.14 (68) Lane Group Stadium
Sunday, 1 March (3:10 pm) North Melbourne 12.18 (90) def. Collingwood 14.5 (89) Mars Stadium
Sunday, 1 March (3:10 pm) West Coast 9.13 (67) def. by Port Adelaide 22.8 (140) Mineral Resources Park
  • The Melbourne v Richmond match was abandoned with 14 minutes remaining in the third quarter after play was halted twice due to nearby lightning strikes.[40]

Home-and-away season

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

Opening Round

Opening Round
Thursday, 5 March (7:30 pm) Sydney 20.12 (132) def. Carlton 10.9 (69) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,372)
Friday, 6 March (7:05 pm) Gold Coast 19.11 (125) def. Geelong 10.9 (69) People First Stadium (crowd: 19,859)
Saturday, 7 March (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 19.8 (122) def. Hawthorn 14.11 (95) Engie Stadium (crowd: 16,157)
Saturday, 7 March (6:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106) def. by Western Bulldogs 16.15 (111) The Gabba (crowd: 31,606)
Sunday, 8 March (7:20 pm) St Kilda 9.12 (66) def. by Collingwood 11.12 (78) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 82,528)
Bye
  • The crowd of 82,528 for the St Kilda v Collingwood match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match involving St Kilda.[41]

Round 1

Round 1
Thursday, 12 March (7:30 pm) Carlton 10.15 (75) def. Richmond 9.17 (71) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 74,313)
Friday, 13 March (7:40 pm) Essendon 13.5 (83) def. by Hawthorn 21.19 (145) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 71,384)
Saturday, 14 March (1:15 pm) Western Bulldogs 21.8 (134) def. Greater Western Sydney 7.11 (53) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 28,318)
Saturday, 14 March (4:15 pm) Geelong 16.14 (110) def. Fremantle 14.16 (100) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 28,715)
Saturday, 14 March (7:10 pm) Sydney 15.14 (104) def. Brisbane Lions 8.12 (60) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,128)
Saturday, 14 March (7:35 pm) Collingwood 11.13 (79) def. by Adelaide 13.15 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 62,482)
Sunday, 15 March (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 17.11 (113) def. Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,318)
Sunday, 15 March (3:15 pm) Melbourne 18.12 (120) def. St Kilda 15.17 (107) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 44,577)
Sunday, 15 March (5:10 pm) Gold Coast 20.11 (131) def. West Coast 10.12 (72) People First Stadium (crowd: 13,309)
  • Fremantle's quarter-time score of 8.4 (52) was its highest in a match outside of Western Australia,[42] the equal-highest conceded by Geelong since 1983 and the highest conceded by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.[43]

Round 2

Round 2
Thursday, 19 March (7:30 pm) Hawthorn 14.15 (99) def. Sydney 13.4 (82) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 47,945)
Friday, 20 March (7:10 pm) Adelaide 13.10 (88) def. by Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 49,185)
Saturday, 21 March (1:15 pm) Richmond 9.6 (60) def. by Gold Coast 19.14 (128) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,468)
Saturday, 21 March (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 10.14 (74) def. by St Kilda 11.12 (78) Engie Stadium (crowd: 9,149)
Saturday, 21 March (4:35 pm) Fremantle 17.16 (118) def. Melbourne 10.10 (70) Optus Stadium (crowd: 44,736)
Sunday, 22 March (2:45 pm) Port Adelaide 20.13 (133) def. Essendon 10.10 (70) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 36,049)
Sunday, 22 March (3:10 pm) West Coast 17.9 (111) def. North Melbourne 15.4 (94) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,083)
Bye
  • The crowd of 49,185 for the Adelaide v Western Bulldogs match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[44]
  • The start of the Greater Western Sydney v St Kilda match was delayed by 50 minutes due to nearby lightning.[45] During the match, which St Kilda won by four points, the second quarter ended with the final 29 seconds wiped from the timeclock due to a technical issue that occurred during a software update, with timekeepers unaware of the issue at the time.[46]
  • West Coast's win over North Melbourne ended a 14-match losing streak.[47]

Round 3

Round 3
Thursday, 26 March (7:30 pm) Geelong 9.14 (68) def. Adelaide 9.6 (60) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 20,403)
Friday, 27 March (7:40 pm) Collingwood 13.9 (87) def. Greater Western Sydney 7.12 (54) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,607)
Saturday, 28 March (12:35 pm) St Kilda 11.14 (80) def. by Brisbane Lions 17.11 (113) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,854)
Saturday, 28 March (1:15 pm) Fremantle 13.25 (103) def. Richmond 6.7 (43) Optus Stadium (crowd: 35,245)
Saturday, 28 March (7:35 pm) Essendon 9.15 (69) def. by North Melbourne 12.9 (81) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,154)
Sunday, 29 March (12:00 pm) Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) def. by West Coast 13.14 (92) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,754)
Sunday, 29 March (3:15 pm) Carlton 11.11 (77) def. by Melbourne 15.10 (100) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 67,763)
Bye
  • North Melbourne's win was its first over Essendon since 2016, ending a twelve-match losing streak.[48]

Round 4

Round 4
Thursday, 2 April (6:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) def. Collingwood 10.5 (65) The Gabba (crowd: 34,648)
Friday, 3 April (3:15 pm) North Melbourne 14.12 (96) def. Carlton 13.8 (86) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 45,919)
Friday, 3 April (6:45 pm) Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. by Fremantle 11.12 (78) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 48,627)
Saturday, 4 April (4:15 pm) Richmond 6.12 (48) def. by Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 34,471)
Saturday, 4 April (4:35 pm) West Coast 4.11 (35) def. by Sydney 24.19 (163) Optus Stadium (crowd: 50,723)
Sunday, 5 April (3:15 pm) Melbourne 16.13 (109) def. Gold Coast 14.5 (89) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 24,287)
Sunday, 5 April (7:20 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.15 (99) def. Essendon 9.11 (65) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 38,786)
Monday, 6 April (3:15 pm) Hawthorn 13.14 (92) def. Geelong 14.7 (91) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 84,712)
Bye
  • Sydney's 128-point win over West Coast was its biggest win in an away match.[49]

Round 5

Round 5 (Gather Round)
Thursday, 9 April (7:10 pm) Adelaide 17.12 (114) def. Carlton 12.14 (86) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 49,184)
Friday, 10 April (7:10 pm) Collingwood 5.9 (39) def. by Fremantle 7.3 (45) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,275)
Saturday, 11 April (12:05 pm) North Melbourne 9.12 (66) def. by Brisbane Lions 13.14 (92) Barossa Park (crowd: 10,613)
Saturday, 11 April (12:45 pm) Essendon 17.11 (113) def. Melbourne 10.8 (68) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 38,006)
Saturday, 11 April (3:45 pm) Sydney 14.16 (100) def. Gold Coast 9.14 (68) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,228)
Saturday, 11 April (7:05 pm) Hawthorn 15.14 (104) def. Western Bulldogs 8.16 (64) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 48,451)
Sunday, 12 April (12:00 pm) Geelong 17.20 (122) def. West Coast 11.10 (76) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,434)
Sunday, 12 April (2:45 pm) Greater Western Sydney 20.11 (131) def. Richmond 11.9 (75) Barossa Park (crowd: 10,508)
Sunday, 12 April (6:45 pm) Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) def. by St Kilda 12.9 (81) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,319)
  • Fremantle's score of 7.3 (45) against Collingwood was the lowest winning score in the club's history,[50] and its total of ten scores was the fewest by any winning team since 1968.[51]
  • Essendon's win over Melbourne ended an equal club-record 17-match losing streak.[52]

Round 6

Round 6
Thursday, 16 April (7:30 pm) Carlton 12.11 (83) def. by Collingwood 13.10 (88) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 78,058)
Friday, 17 April (7:20 pm) Geelong 19.17 (131) def. Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 33,200)
Friday, 17 April (7:50 pm) Sydney 17.5 (107) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.18 (66) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 43,986)
Saturday, 18 April (1:15 pm) Gold Coast 17.17 (119) def. Essendon 17.8 (110) People First Stadium (crowd: 19,039)
Saturday, 18 April (4:15 pm) Hawthorn 13.11 (89) def. Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 37,070)
Saturday, 18 April (7:05 pm) Adelaide 15.13 (103) def. St Kilda 15.12 (102) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 45,854)
Sunday, 19 April (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 20.10 (130) def. Richmond 7.13 (55) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 36,584)
Sunday, 19 April (3:15 pm) Melbourne 16.8 (104) def. Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,629)
Sunday, 19 April (3:10 pm) West Coast 5.11 (41) def. by Fremantle 14.13 (97) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,232)
  • Talor Byrne (Carlton) had a shot at goal after the final siren to draw the match against Collingwood, but kicked a behind.[53]
  • Due to nearby lightning, the start of the third quarter of the Sydney v Greater Western Sydney match was delayed by 40 minutes under the AFL's lightning protocols.[54]
  • The crowd of 43,986 for the Sydney v Greater Western Sydney match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away Sydney Derby and the largest between the two clubs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[55]

Round 7

Round 7 (Anzac Appeal Round)
Thursday, 23 April (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 9.6 (60) def. by Sydney 18.18 (126) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,523)
Friday, 24 April (7:40 pm) Richmond 11.6 (72) def. by Melbourne 19.12 (126) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 67,364)
Saturday, 25 April (12:30 pm) Hawthorn 16.16 (112) def. Gold Coast 9.9 (63) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 8,263)
Saturday, 25 April (3:20 pm) Essendon 9.6 (60) def. by Collingwood 20.17 (137) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 92,231)
Saturday, 25 April (6:05 pm) Port Adelaide 13.17 (95) def. Geelong 10.5 (65) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 41,164)
Saturday, 25 April (6:15 pm) Fremantle 16.7 (103) def. Carlton 13.11 (89) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,100)
Sunday, 26 April (1:10 pm) St Kilda 22.11 (143) def. West Coast 5.12 (42) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,070)
Sunday, 26 April (3:15 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.13 (127) def. Adelaide 11.9 (75) The Gabba (crowd: 32,629)
Sunday, 26 April (4:40 pm) Greater Western Sydney 15.15 (105) def. North Melbourne 14.14 (98) Corroboree Group Oval (crowd: 12,597)
  • The Hawthorn v Gold Coast match was moved back from 12:15pm to 12:30pm after having mistakenly been scheduled in violation of Tasmanian law prohibiting sporting events from commencing before 12:30pm on Anzac Day; consequently, the Essendon v Collingwood match was moved back by five minutes to minimise overlap between the two matches.[56]
  • The crowd of 54,100 for the Fremantle v Carlton match was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[57]

Round 8

Round 8
Thursday, 30 April (7:30 pm) Collingwood 15.3 (93) drew with Hawthorn 13.15 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 76,632)
Friday, 1 May (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102) def. by Fremantle 17.12 (114) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,071)
Friday, 1 May (7:40 pm) Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. Port Adelaide 11.9 (75) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 53,045)
Saturday, 2 May (12:35 pm) Essendon 11.13 (79) def. by Brisbane Lions 22.11 (143) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,595)
Saturday, 2 May (2:15 pm) West Coast 13.10 (88) def. by Richmond 15.9 (99) Optus Stadium (crowd: 46,350)
Saturday, 2 May (4:35 pm) Geelong 21.9 (135) def. North Melbourne 13.8 (86) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 32,485)
Saturday, 2 May (7:35 pm) Carlton 9.15 (69) def. by St Kilda 16.12 (108) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,062)
Sunday, 3 May (3:15 pm) Sydney 19.17 (131) def. Melbourne 17.12 (114) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,673)
Sunday, 3 May (7:20 pm) Gold Coast 11.17 (83) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.15 (63) People First Stadium (crowd: 13,537)
  • Dylan Moore (Hawthorn) kicked a goal after the final siren to draw the match against Collingwood.[58]
  • Richmond's win over West Coast ended a twelve-match losing streak.[59]

Round 9

Round 9
Thursday, 7 May (6:10 pm) Fremantle 12.16 (88) def. Hawthorn 11.7 (73) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,140) Report
Friday, 8 May (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 14.16 (100) def. Carlton 13.11 (89) The Gabba (crowd: 31,147) Report
Friday, 8 May (7:40 pm) Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) def. by Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,883) Report
Saturday, 9 May (12:35 pm) North Melbourne 14.13 (97) def. by Sydney 16.9 (105) Marvel Stadium Report
Saturday, 9 May (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 16.7 (103) def. Essendon 13.11 (89) Engie Stadium Report
Saturday, 9 May (6:40 pm) Gold Coast 13.11 (89) def. St Kilda 8.12 (60) TIO Stadium (crowd: 10,672) Report
Saturday, 9 May (7:35 pm) Geelong 18.14 (122) def. Collingwood 9.14 (68) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,166) Report
Sunday, 10 May (1:10 pm) Melbourne v West Coast Marvel Stadium
Sunday, 10 May (3:15 pm) Richmond v Adelaide Melbourne Cricket Ground
  • The crowd of 54,140 for the Fremantle v Hawthorn match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[60]

Round 10

Round 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 1)
Thursday, 14 May (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions v Geelong The Gabba
Friday, 15 May (7:30 pm) Sydney v Collingwood Sydney Cricket Ground
Friday, 15 May (7:40 pm) Gold Coast v Port Adelaide TIO Stadium
Saturday, 16 May (12:45 pm) Adelaide v North Melbourne Adelaide Oval
Saturday, 16 May (4:15 pm) Melbourne v Hawthorn Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 16 May (7:35 pm) Carlton v Western Bulldogs Marvel Stadium
Sunday, 17 May (1:10 pm) Essendon v Fremantle Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sunday, 17 May (3:15 pm) St Kilda v Richmond Marvel Stadium
Sunday, 17 May (4:15 pm) West Coast v Greater Western Sydney Optus Stadium

Round 11

Round 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 2)
Thursday, 21 May (7:30 pm) Hawthorn v Adelaide University of Tasmania Stadium
Friday, 22 May (7:40 pm) Richmond v Essendon Melbourne Cricket Ground
Friday, 22 May (6:30 pm) Fremantle v St Kilda Optus Stadium
Saturday, 23 May (1:15 pm) North Melbourne v Gold Coast Marvel Stadium
Saturday, 23 May (4:15 pm) Geelong v Sydney GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, 23 May (4:35 pm) Collingwood v West Coast Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 23 May (7:05 pm) Port Adelaide v Carlton Adelaide Oval
Sunday, 24 May (12:30 pm) Greater Western Sydney v Brisbane Lions Engie Stadium
Sunday, 24 May (3:15 pm) Western Bulldogs v Melbourne Marvel Stadium

Round 12

Round 12
Thursday, 28 May (7:30 pm) St Kilda v Hawthorn Marvel Stadium
Friday, 29 May (7:40 pm) Carlton v Geelong Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 30 May (1:15 pm) Sydney v Richmond Sydney Cricket Ground
Saturday, 30 May (4:15 pm) Brisbane Lions v Fremantle The Gabba
Saturday, 30 May (7:35 pm) Western Bulldogs v Collingwood Marvel Stadium
Sunday, 31 May (2:45 pm) Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney TIO Traeger Park
Sunday, 31 May (5:20 pm) West Coast v Essendon Optus Stadium
Bye

Round 13

Round 13
Thursday, 4 June (7:00 pm) Adelaide v Geelong Adelaide Oval
Friday, 5 June (7:40 pm) Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 6 June (12:15 pm) North Melbourne v Fremantle Hands Oval
Saturday, 6 June (5:15 pm) Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions People First Stadium
Saturday, 6 June (6:15 pm) West Coast v Port Adelaide Optus Stadium
Sunday, 7 June (3:15 pm) Sydney v St Kilda Sydney Cricket Ground
Sunday, 7 June (7:20 pm) Essendon v Carlton Melbourne Cricket Ground
Monday, 8 June (3:15 pm) Collingwood v Melbourne Melbourne Cricket Ground
Bye

Round 14

Round 14
Thursday, 11 June (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Marvel Stadium
Friday, 12 June (7:40 pm) Geelong v Gold Coast GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, 13 June (1:15 pm) Melbourne v Essendon Melbourne Cricket Ground
Saturday, 13 June (2:15 pm) North Melbourne v West Coast Optus Stadium
Saturday, 13 June (7:05 pm) Port Adelaide v Sydney Adelaide Oval
Sunday, 14 June (1:10 pm) Richmond v Brisbane Lions Ninja Stadium
Sunday, 14 June (3:15 pm) St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney Marvel Stadium
Bye

Round 15

Round 15
Thursday, 18 June (6:10 pm) Fremantle v Geelong Optus Stadium
Friday, 19 June (7:40 pm) Gold Coast v Hawthorn People First Stadium
Saturday, 20 June (12:45 pm) Adelaide v Melbourne Adelaide Oval
Saturday, 20 June (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney v Carlton Engie Stadium
Saturday, 20 June (7:35 pm) Collingwood v Port Adelaide Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sunday, 21 June (1:10 pm) Richmond v North Melbourne Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sunday, 21 June (3:15 pm) St Kilda v Western Bulldogs Marvel Stadium
Bye

Round 16

Round 16
Dates and times TBC Brisbane Lions v Sydney The Gabba
Carlton v West Coast Marvel Stadium
Collingwood v Richmond Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fremantle v Gold Coast Optus Stadium
Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney Melbourne Cricket Ground
North Melbourne v Essendon Marvel Stadium
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Adelaide Oval
Bye

Round 17

Round 17
Dates and times TBC Essendon v St Kilda Marvel Stadium
Geelong v Brisbane Lions GMHBA Stadium
Gold Coast v Collingwood People First Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Fremantle Corroboree Group Oval
Hawthorn v Melbourne University of Tasmania Stadium
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne Adelaide Oval
Richmond v Carlton Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sydney v Western Bulldogs Sydney Cricket Ground
West Coast v Adelaide Optus Stadium

Round 18

Round 18
Dates and times TBC Adelaide v Gold Coast Adelaide Oval
Brisbane Lions v Essendon The Gabba
Carlton v Hawthorn Melbourne Cricket Ground
Collingwood v North Melbourne Marvel Stadium
Fremantle v Sydney Optus Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Geelong Engie Stadium
Melbourne v Richmond Melbourne Cricket Ground
St Kilda v Port Adelaide Marvel Stadium
Western Bulldogs v West Coast Marvel Stadium

Round 19

Round 19
Dates and times TBC Collingwood v Carlton Melbourne Cricket Ground
Essendon v Greater Western Sydney Marvel Stadium
Geelong v St Kilda GMHBA Stadium
Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs People First Stadium
North Melbourne v Melbourne Marvel Stadium
Port Adelaide v Fremantle Adelaide Oval
Richmond v Hawthorn Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sydney v Adelaide Sydney Cricket Ground
West Coast v Brisbane Lions Optus Stadium

Round 20

Round 20
Dates and times TBC Adelaide v Collingwood Adelaide Oval
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide The Gabba
Carlton v Gold Coast Marvel Stadium
Fremantle v West Coast Optus Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Engie Stadium
Hawthorn v Essendon Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne v Geelong Melbourne Cricket Ground
North Melbourne v St Kilda Marvel Stadium
Western Bulldogs v Richmond Marvel Stadium

Round 21

Round 21
Dates and times TBC Carlton v Brisbane Lions Marvel Stadium
Collingwood v Geelong Melbourne Cricket Ground
Essendon v Adelaide Marvel Stadium
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs Optus Stadium
Gold Coast v Melbourne People First Stadium
Hawthorn v North Melbourne University of Tasmania Stadium
Port Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney Adelaide Oval
Richmond v West Coast Melbourne Cricket Ground
St Kilda v Sydney Marvel Stadium

Round 22

Round 22
Dates and times TBC Adelaide v Richmond Adelaide Oval
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn The Gabba
Geelong v Essendon GMHBA Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast Corroboree Group Oval
Melbourne v Fremantle Melbourne Cricket Ground
St Kilda v Carlton Marvel Stadium
Sydney v Port Adelaide Sydney Cricket Ground
West Coast v Collingwood Optus Stadium
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne Marvel Stadium

Round 23

Round 23
Dates and times TBC Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast The Gabba
Essendon v Sydney Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fremantle v Adelaide Optus Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v West Coast Engie Stadium
Hawthorn v Collingwood Melbourne Cricket Ground
North Melbourne v Geelong Marvel Stadium
Port Adelaide v Melbourne Adelaide Oval
Richmond v St Kilda Melbourne Cricket Ground
Western Bulldogs v Carlton Marvel Stadium

Round 24

Round 24
Dates and times TBC Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney Adelaide Oval
Carlton v Fremantle Marvel Stadium
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions Melbourne Cricket Ground
Essendon v Port Adelaide Marvel Stadium
Geelong v Richmond GMHBA Stadium
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs Melbourne Cricket Ground
St Kilda v Gold Coast Marvel Stadium
Sydney v North Melbourne Sydney Cricket Ground
West Coast v Hawthorn Optus Stadium

Ladder

Updated to Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs (round 9).

Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts Qualification
1 Fremantle 9 8 1 0 846 643 131.6 32 Finals series
2 Sydney 8 7 1 0 945 571 165.5 28
3 Hawthorn 9 6 2 1 902 772 116.8 26
4 Brisbane Lions 9 6 3 0 962 773 124.5 24
5 Gold Coast 8 5 3 0 806 695 116.0 20
6 Geelong 8 5 3 0 791 690 114.6 20
7 Melbourne 8 5 3 0 811 809 100.2 20
8 Western Bulldogs 9 5 4 0 794 859 92.4 20
9 Collingwood 8 4 3 1 666 613 108.6 18
10 St Kilda 8 4 4 0 765 666 114.9 16
11 North Melbourne 8 4 4 0 764 720 106.1 16
12 Adelaide 8 4 4 0 685 709 96.6 16
13 Port Adelaide 9 3 6 0 775 708 109.5 12
14 Greater Western Sydney 8 3 5 0 668 757 88.2 12
15 West Coast 8 2 6 0 557 939 59.3 8
16 Carlton 9 1 8 0 723 912 79.3 4
17 Essendon 8 1 7 0 649 925 70.2 4
18 Richmond 8 1 7 0 523 871 60.0 4
Source: afl.com.au
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for

Progression by round

Updated to Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs (round 9).

4 Finished the round in first place 0 Finished the round in last place
4 Finished the round inside the top ten
41 Subscript indicates the ladder position at the end of the round
41 Underlined points indicate the team had a bye that round
Team O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Sydney 41 81 83 84 122 161 201 241 281
Fremantle 0 013 45 83 124 162 202 242 282 32
Hawthorn 08 46 84 85 126 163 203 243 263 26
Brisbane Lions 06 015 016 413 89 126 129 165 204 24
Gold Coast 42 82 121 121 123 125 164 167 205
Geelong 09 49 414 810 811 128 166 169 206
Melbourne 0 47 411 88 127 129 168 204 207
Collingwood 44 48 49 87 810 813 1211 168 188
St Kilda 07 014 410 414 414 814 813 1212 169
North Melbourne 0 44 46 86 125 127 165 166 1610
Adelaide 0 45 48 412 413 811 1210 1213 1611
Western Bulldogs 45 83 122 122 161 164 167 1610 1612 20
Port Adelaide 0 016 47 411 88 810 812 1211 1213 12
Greater Western Sydney 43 410 413 415 416 812 814 1214 1214
West Coast 0 018 412 89 812 815 815 815 815
Carlton 010 411 415 416 415 416 416 416 416 4
Essendon 0 017 018 017 017 417 417 417 417
Richmond 0 012 017 018 018 018 018 018 418

Source: AFL Tables

Home matches and membership

Updated to the end of round 8.

The following table includes all home match attendance figures from the home-and-away season, excluding neutral matches (Gather Round).

Team Home match attendance Membership
Hosted Total Highest Lowest Average 2025[61] 2026 Change
2025[62] 2026[63] Change
Adelaide 4 196,711 53,045 45,854 45,120 49,178 Increase 4,058 81,067
Brisbane Lions 3 98,883 34,648 31,606 30,598 32,961 Increase 2,363 75,115
Carlton 4 261,196 78,058 41,062 49,182 65,299 Increase 16,117 100,743
Collingwood 3 180,721 76,632 41,607 68,873 60,240 Decrease 8,633 112,491
Essendon 4 235,364 92,231 31,595 40,034 58,841 Increase 18,807 85,568
Fremantle 3 134,081 54,100 35,245 45,758 44,694 Decrease 1,064 66,179
Geelong 4 114,803 33,200 20,403 35,439 28,701 Decrease 6,738 92,379
Gold Coast 4 65,744 19,859 13,309 15,679 16,436 Increase 757 30,107
Greater Western Sydney 3 37,903 16,157 9,149 12,026 12,634 Increase 608 37,705
Hawthorn 4 177,990 84,712 8,263 41,484 44,498 Increase 3,014 87,204
Melbourne 3 110,493 44,577 24,287 36,805 36,831 Increase 26 58,563
North Melbourne 3 105,821 45,919 23,318 25,266 35,274 Increase 1,008 56,283
Port Adelaide 3 110,967 41,164 33,754 35,556 36,989 Increase 1,433 72,656
Richmond 3 132,303 67,364 30,468 44,398 44,101 Decrease 297 92,531
St Kilda 3 143,452 82,528 29,070 31,644 47,817 Increase 16,173 65,509
Sydney 4 163,159 43,986 38,128 34,277 40,790 Increase 6,513 76,674
West Coast 4 198,388 54,232 46,350 42,576 49,597 Increase 7,021 107,079
Western Bulldogs 4 119,698 38,786 23,071 36,764 29,925 Decrease 6,839 65,584
Total/overall 63 2,587,677 92,231 8,263 37,306 41,074 Increase 3,768 1,363,437

Source: AFL Tables

Win–loss table

Updated to the end of round 8.

The following table can be sorted from biggest winning margin to biggest losing margin for each round. If multiple matches in a round are decided by the same margin, these margins are sorted by percentage (i.e. the lowest-scoring winning team is ranked highest and the lowest-scoring losing team is ranked lowest). Home matches are in bold, neutral matches (Gather Round) are underlined and opponents are listed above the margins.

+ Win Qualified for finals
− Loss Eliminated
Draw
X
 Bye
Team Home-and-away season Ladder Finals series
O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F1 F2 F3 F4 GF
Adelaide X COL
+14		 WB
–6		 GEE
–8		 FRE
–2		 CAR
+28		 STK
+1		 BL
–52		 PA
+1		 RIC NM HAW X GEE WB MEL PA WC GC SYD COL ESS RIC FRE GWS 11
(4–4–0)
Brisbane Lions WB
–5		 SYD
–44		 X STK
+33		 COL
+54		 NM
+26		 MEL
–2		 ADE
+52		 ESS
+64		 CAR GEE GWS FRE GC RIC X SYD GEE ESS WC PA CAR HAW GC COL 4
(5–3–0)
Carlton SYD
–63		 RIC
+4		 X MEL
–23		 NM
–10		 ADE
–28		 COL
–5		 FRE
–14		 STK
–39		 BL WB PA GEE ESS X GWS WC RIC HAW COL GC BL STK WB FRE 16
(1–7–0)
Collingwood STK
+12		 ADE
–14		 X GWS
+33		 BL
–54		 FRE
–6		 CAR
+5		 ESS
+77		 HAW
0		 GEE SYD WC WB MEL X PA RIC GC NM CAR ADE GEE WC HAW BL 8
(4–3–1)
Essendon X HAW
–62		 PA
–63		 NM
–12		 WB
–34		 MEL
+45		 GC
–9		 COL
–77		 BL
–64		 GWS FRE RIC WC CAR MEL X NM STK BL GWS HAW ADE GEE SYD PA 17
(1–7–0)
Fremantle X GEE
–10		 MEL
+48		 RIC
+60		 ADE
+2		 COL
+6		 WC
+56		 CAR
+14		 WB
+12		 HAW ESS STK BL NM X GEE GC GWS SYD PA WC WB MEL ADE CAR 2
(7–1–0)
Geelong GC
–56		 FRE
+10		 X ADE
+8		 HAW
–1		 WC
+46		 WB
+75		 PA
–30		 NM
+49		 COL BL SYD CAR ADE GC FRE X BL GWS STK MEL COL ESS NM RIC 6
(5–3–0)
Gold Coast GEE
+56		 WC
+59		 RIC
+68		 X MEL
–20		 SYD
–32		 ESS
+9		 HAW
–49		 GWS
+20		 STK PA NM X BL GEE HAW FRE COL ADE WB CAR MEL GWS BL STK 5
(5–3–0)
Greater Western Sydney HAW
+27		 WB
–81		 STK
–4		 COL
–33		 X RIC
+56		 SYD
–41		 NM
+7		 GC
–20		 ESS WC BL MEL X STK CAR HAW FRE GEE ESS SYD PA GC WC ADE 14
(3–5–0)
Hawthorn GWS
–27		 ESS
+62		 SYD
+17		 X GEE
+1		 WB
+40		 PA
+3		 GC
+49		 COL
0		 FRE MEL ADE STK WB X GC GWS MEL CAR RIC ESS NM BL COL WC 3
(6–1–1)
Melbourne X STK
+13		 FRE
–48		 CAR
+23		 GC
+20		 ESS
–45		 BL
+2		 RIC
+54		 SYD
–17		 WC HAW WB GWS COL ESS ADE X HAW RIC NM GEE GC FRE PA WB 7
(5–3–0)
North Melbourne X PA
+46		 WC
–17		 ESS
+12		 CAR
+10		 BL
–26		 RIC
+75		 GWS
–7		 GEE
–49		 SYD ADE GC X FRE WC RIC ESS PA COL MEL STK HAW WB GEE SYD 10
(4–4–0)
Port Adelaide X NM
–46		 ESS
+63		 WC
–2		 RIC
+42		 STK
–14		 HAW
–3		 GEE
+30		 ADE
–1		 WB GC CAR X WC SYD COL ADE NM STK FRE BL GWS SYD MEL ESS 13
(3–5–0)
Richmond X CAR
–4		 GC
–68		 FRE
–60		 PA
–42		 GWS
–56		 NM
–75		 MEL
–54		 WC
+11		 ADE STK ESS SYD X BL NM COL CAR MEL HAW WB WC ADE STK GEE 18
(1–7–0)
St Kilda COL
–12		 MEL
–13		 GWS
+4		 BL
–33		 X PA
+14		 ADE
–1		 WC
+101		 CAR
+39		 GC RIC FRE HAW SYD GWS WB X ESS PA GEE NM SYD CAR RIC GC 9
(4–4–0)
Sydney CAR
+63		 BL
+44		 HAW
–17		 X WC
+128		 GC
+32		 GWS
+53		 WB
+66		 MEL
+17		 NM COL GEE RIC STK PA X BL WB FRE ADE GWS STK PA ESS NM 1
(7–1–0)
West Coast X GC
–59		 NM
+17		 PA
+2		 SYD
–128		 GEE
–46		 FRE
–56		 STK
–101		 RIC
–11		 MEL GWS COL ESS PA NM X CAR ADE WB BL FRE RIC COL GWS HAW 15
(2–6–0)
Western Bulldogs BL
+5		 GWS
+81		 ADE
+6		 X ESS
+34		 HAW
–40		 GEE
–75		 SYD
–66		 FRE
–12		 PA CAR MEL COL HAW ADE STK X SYD WC GC RIC FRE NM CAR MEL 12
(4–4–0)

Source: AFL Tables

Milestones

Round Player/official Club Milestone
OR Isaac Heeney Sydney 300th AFL goal
Jesse Hogan Greater Western Sydney 400th AFL goal
Rory Lobb Western Bulldogs 200th AFL game
1 Blake Hardwick Hawthorn 200th AFL game
Daniel McStay Collingwood 200th AFL game
Darcy Fogarty Adelaide 200th AFL goal
Christian Salem Melbourne 200th AFL game
3 Jake Stringer Greater Western Sydney 400th AFL goal
Max Gawn Melbourne 250th AFL game
Tom McDonald Melbourne 250th AFL game
4 Tom Papley Sydney 200th AFL game
Aaron Naughton Western Bulldogs 300th AFL goal
5 Jake Melksham Melbourne 250th AFL game
6 Mark Blicavs Geelong 300th AFL game
Jake Kolodjashnij Geelong 200th AFL game
Karl Amon Hawthorn 200th AFL game
Josh Dunkley Brisbane Lions 200th AFL game
Lachie Neale Brisbane Lions 300th AFL game
Shai Bolton Fremantle 200th AFL goal
7 Bayley Fritsch Melbourne 300th AFL goal
8 Nick Larkey North Melbourne 300th AFL goal
Brodie Grundy Sydney 250th AFL game

Source: AFL Tables

Leading goalkickers

Updated to end of round 8.

1 Led the goalkicking at the end of the round
11 Subscript indicates the player's goal tally to that point of the season
– Did not play during that round
X Had a bye during that round
# Player Club Home-and-away season (Coleman Medal) Finals series Total Games Average
O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 F1 F2 F3 F4 GF
1 Ben King Gold Coast 44 59 716 X16 319 221 324 226 228 28 8 3.50
2 Jack Gunston Hawthorn 44 59 413 X13 316 319 –19 524 024 24 7 3.43
3 Jeremy Cameron Geelong –0 33 X3 03 14 37 1017 320 323 23 7 3.29
4 Nick Larkey North Melbourne X0 44 610 212 214 115 217 421 122 22 8 2.75
5 Mitch Georgiades Port Adelaide X0 33 25 38 210 212 214 418 321 21 8 2.63
Aaron Naughton Western Bulldogs 22 68 311 X11 314 115 318 119 221 21 8 2.63
7 Joel Amartey Sydney 33 58 19 X9 211 011 213 316 420 20 8 2.50
Charlie Curnow Sydney 33 03 25 X5 49 09 312 719 120 20 8 2.50
Nick Watson Hawthorn 22 46 17 X7 310 111 516 218 220 20 8 2.50
10 Josh Treacy Fremantle X0 22 46 410 212 012 113 316 319 19 8 2.38

Source: AFL Tables

Notes

  1. ^ Consistent with the rule used in the AFL Women's (AFLW) and South Australian National Football League (SANFL)
  2. ^ Consistent with the rule used in the AFLW
  3. ^ Announcement of succession plan

References

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