AFL fixture secrets: 2026 blockbusters revealed, Gather Round snippet, Easter round

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AFL fixture secrets: 2026 blockbusters revealed, Gather Round snippet, Easter round image

Ahead of tomorrow's AFL fixture release several blockbuster matches and highlights have been revealed.

Opening Round's games have been announced with the concept hitting Melbourne for the first time.

The bookend fixtures for Gather Round have been revealed, with fans set to flock to Adelaide for a fourth year.

Primetime Easter weekend fixtures are out in the open with Brisbane vs. Collingwood to start the festivities.

MORE: Dayne Zorko questions timing, teams as AFL State of Origin set to return

AllSportsPeople lists all the AFL fixture announcements so far.

AFL fixture announcements

Opening Round

  • Sydney vs. Carlton (SCG) - opening match of the season
  • GWS vs. Hawthorn (Engie Stadium)
  • Gold Coast vs. Geelong (People First Stadium)
  • Brisbane vs. Western Bulldogs (Gabba)
  • St Kilda vs. Collingwood (MCG) - Sunday night, 7:20pm

Gather Round

  • Adelaide vs. Carlton - Friday night
  • Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda - Sunday night

Easter Round

  • Brisbane vs. Collingwood (Gabba) - Easter Thursday
  • North Melbourne vs. Carlton (Marvel) - Good Friday
  • Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon (Marvel) - Easter Sunday
  • Hawthorn vs. Geelong (MCG) - Easter Monday

Other reveals

  • The Western Bulldogs won't play at MARS Stadium in 2026 due to construction at the Ballarat venue
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