Get ready for a thrilling AFL preseason like never before! With derbies, brand-new venues, and innovative 'scenario' play, this year's match simulations are set to shake things up. But here's where it gets controversial: are these changes a game-changer or just a gimmick? Let's dive in and find out.
As AFL clubs gear up for the 2026 season, they're not just relying on traditional training methods. Every team will participate in an unofficial match simulation, alongside their practice matches in the AAMI Community Series. Foxfooty.com.au has the exclusive scoop on all nine match simulations, airing live on Fox Footy via Kayo Sports and Foxtel. And this is the part most people miss: these simulations aren't just about fitness; they're about testing strategies in high-pressure situations.
Kicking off the action is a Western Derby between Fremantle and West Coast on February 21 at Victor George Kailis Oval, starting just after 12pm AEDT. But it's not just about local rivalries. The Crows and Power will face off again, while the four northern teams will challenge Victorian powerhouses. Brisbane and Gold Coast will host Carlton and St Kilda, respectively, while the Swans and Giants head to Melbourne to battle the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood. Speaking of Collingwood, their clash with the Giants will take place at La Trobe University in Bundoora.
Hawthorn will inaugurate the new Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley with a scratch match against Geelong. And here’s a twist: these unofficial matches will feature varying timings and game scenarios, designed to simulate real-match pressures. For instance, the Melbourne-North Melbourne simulation will include four 25-minute quarters, with two minutes of 'scenario' training at the end of the third and fourth quarters. Imagine trying to turn a game around in just two minutes—talk about pressure!
But is this too much, too soon? Some argue that these scenarios might overwhelm players, while others believe it’s the perfect preparation for the season. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
These unofficial matches will take place between the AFL Origin clash in Perth and the AAMI Community Series, the preseason’s official practice games. The Community Series runs from February 25 to March 1, featuring premiership season timings but with no interchange cap. Clubs will field extended squads of 30 players, with 18 on the field, eight interchange, and four emergencies. All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo.
Here’s the full schedule for the unofficial match simulations (all times AEDT):
- Monday, February 16: Hawthorn v Geelong, Kennedy Community Centre, 3.15pm (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
- Wednesday, February 18: Brisbane v Carlton, Brighton Homes Arena, 6.00pm (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on, extended bench)
- Thursday, February 19: Western Bulldogs v Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval, 2.00pm (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time-on); Gold Coast v St Kilda, People First Stadium, 7.45pm (4 x 20-minute quarters, plus time on)
- Friday, February 20: Essendon v Richmond, NEC Hangar, 10.30am (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time-on); Collingwood v GWS Giants, La Trobe University Sports Park, 11am (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on); Melbourne v North Melbourne, Casey Fields, 4.30pm (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on + 2-minute scenarios at the end of Q3 and Q4); Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Alberton Oval, 6.00pm (4 x 20-minute quarters, plus time on)
- Saturday, February 21: Fremantle v West Coast Eagles, Victor George Kailis Oval, 12.00pm (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time-on)
And don’t forget the 2026 AAMI Community Series:
- Wednesday, February 25: Carlton v Geelong, Ikon Park, 7.10pm
- Thursday, February 26: Sydney v GWS, Henson Park, 4.10pm; Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 7.10pm
- Friday, February 27: Melbourne v Richmond, Mars Stadium, 4.10pm; Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Mission Whitten Oval, 7.10pm
- Saturday, February 28: St Kilda v Essendon, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm; Fremantle v Adelaide, Rushton Park, 6.10pm
- Sunday, March 1: North Melbourne v Collingwood, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm; West Coast v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, 6.10pm
With so much innovation and excitement, this preseason promises to be one for the books. But the real question is: will these changes elevate the game or complicate it? Share your thoughts below—we can’t wait to hear what you think!
