The 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season has arrived, bringing with it a fresh wave of excitement, tribal rivalries, and a revamped schedule that every footy fan needs to master. Whether you are a die-hard member planning your travel for Gather Round or a casual viewer looking for the next big Friday night clash at the MCG, staying on top of the aussie rules fixtures is essential.
This year, the AFL has introduced several landmark changes to the match schedule, including the official debut of a Wildcard Finals Round and an expanded Opening Round that brings the first bounce to Victoria earlier than ever before. In this guide, we break down the key dates, venues, and match-ups to ensure you never miss a minute of the action.
Aussie Rules Fixtures: A New Era
The 2026 season officially runs from Thursday, 5 March through to the Grand Final on Saturday, 26 September. For the first time, the league has moved away from the traditional top-eight system, introducing a tenth finalist via the Wildcard Round.
