The excitement is palpable as the AFL clubs dive back into preparations for the upcoming season, generating a buzz that fans can hardly contain.
As part of their training regimen, each club will engage in an unofficial match simulation, along with a practice game during the AAMI Community Series. This year, Foxfooty.com.au has disclosed all the essential details, including the dates, times, and formats for nine thrilling match simulations. Fans can look forward to watching these events live on Fox Footy, which is accessible through platforms like Kayo Sports and Foxtel.
Opening Round
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Mark your calendars for a much-anticipated western derby match simulation between Fremantle and West Coast on Saturday, February 21, at Victor George Kailis Oval, kicking off shortly after 12 PM AEDT.
In another exciting development, the Crows and Power will face off once again in a match simulation. However, the four northern clubs will challenge teams from Victoria instead of participating in derbies this time around. Brisbane will take on Carlton, while Gold Coast will host St Kilda. Meanwhile, the Swans and Giants will head to Melbourne to meet the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, respectively. Notably, the clash between the Pies and Giants is set to occur at La Trobe University in Bundoora.
Hawthorn is set to initiate the first scratch match against Geelong at the newly established Kennedy Community Centre in Dingley.
As has become a tradition, these unofficial practice matches will feature a variety of game situations. For example, the simulation between Melbourne and North Melbourne will comprise four quarters lasting 25 minutes each. Notably, at the conclusion of both the third and fourth quarters, there will be two minutes dedicated to 'scenario' training. Previously, the Kangaroos engaged in a similar format during a scratch match against Collingwood, which allowed each team to attempt a comeback from a three-goal deficit within those crucial two minutes.
These unofficial practice games will take place between the AFL Origin match in Perth and the AAMI Community Series, which is regarded as the official pre-season set of practice matches. The Community Series is scheduled from Wednesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1, and matches will follow regular premiership season timings; however, there will not be a cap on interchanges.
Clubs are expected to announce extended squads consisting of 30 players, with 18 players taking the field, eight on interchange, and four emergencies. All matches within the Community Series will be broadcast live exclusively on Foxtel and Kayo.
UNOFFICIAL MATCH SIMULATIONS (all times AEDT)
Monday, February 16
Hawthorn vs. Geelong Cats, Kennedy Community Centre at 3:15 PM (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
Wednesday, February 18
Brisbane vs. Carlton, Brighton Homes Arena at 6:00 PM (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on, extended bench)
Thursday, February 19
Western Bulldogs vs. Sydney, Mission Whitten Oval at 2:00 PM (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
Gold Coast vs. St Kilda, People First Stadium at 7:45 PM (4 x 20-minute quarters, plus time on)
Friday, February 20
Essendon vs. Richmond, NEC Hangar at 10:30 AM (4 x 30-minute quarters, no time on)
Collingwood vs. GWS Giants, La Trobe University Sports Park (Bundoora) at 11:00 AM (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time on)
Melbourne vs. North Melbourne, Casey Fields at 4:30 PM (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time on + 2-minute scenarios at the end of both Q3 and Q4)
Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide, Alberton Oval at 6:00 PM (4 x 20-minute quarters, plus time on)*
Saturday, February 21
Fremantle vs. West Coast Eagles, Victor George Kailis Oval at 12:00 PM (4 x 25-minute quarters, no time on)
FULL 2026 COMMUNITY SERIES FIXTURE (all times AEDT)
Wednesday, February 25
Carlton vs. Geelong, Ikon Park, 7:10 PM
Thursday, February 26
Sydney vs. GWS, Henson Park, 4:10 PM
Brisbane vs. Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 7:10 PM
Friday, February 27
Melbourne vs. Richmond, Mars Stadium, 4:10 PM
Western Bulldogs vs. Hawthorn, Mission Whitten Oval, 7:10 PM
Saturday, February 28
St Kilda vs. Essendon, Mars Stadium, 3:10 PM
Fremantle vs. Adelaide, Rushton Park, 6:10 PM
Sunday, March 1
North Melbourne vs. Collingwood, Mars Stadium, 3:10 PM
West Coast vs. Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, 6:10 PM
