The 2026 AFL home-and-away season will finish with a bang, the final two rounds of the campaign even featuring two games at the MCG in the one day.
The league released details of the 18 games across rounds 23 and 24 on Wednesday.
Among the schedule is a massive Saturday, August 15 at the MCG in round 23, when St Kilda and Richmond have the early afternoon game, before Hawthorn and Collingwood do battle at night. The Saints are clinging to hopes of a wildcard berth, while the Hawks and Magpies have flag ambitions.
Flag contenders Fremantle and Adelaide will feature in a Friday night blockbuster in round 23, while North Melbourne will host an AFL and AFLW double header at Marvel Stadium. The Kangaroos’ reigning AFLW premiership side will take to the field at 1pm AEST against Geelong, before the men host the Cats from 3.45pm.
In what shapes as one of the games of the round, the Western Bulldogs will host Carlton in a September-shaping clash at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, August 16. The Bulldogs still have aspirations to finish in the top six, while the Blues are hunting a wildcard berth.
The AFL is keen to get the AFLW season going with double headers. On Sunday, August 16, GWS’ men’s team will host West Coast at Engie Stadium, before the Giants’ women play the Eagles.
A highlight of round 24 will be the Friday night blockbuster between the Magpies and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
The Blues’ season could be decided on the Saturday afternoon of round 24 when they host the Dockers at Marvel Stadium. On Saturday night, the Cats will host Richmond at GMHBA Stadium. The Crows will end their home-and-away season against the Giants at Adelaide Oval.
Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.
