We have only just got through the AFL Trade Period, but now attention is turning to the 2026 AFL fixture.
Next year is again expected to feature specialty rounds including Opening Round and Gather Round in Adelaide.
Will your team get a kind fixture?
AllSportsPeople reveals when the 2026 AFL fixture is likely to be announced.
AFL TRADE AND DRAFT NEWS:
- AFL trade grades: How your club performed in 2025 player movement period
- When is the AFL National Draft 2025? Dates, schedule, selection order, players
- AFL Phantom Draft 2025: Top 10 prospects, first round projections
When will the AFL fixture 2026 be released?
During the last two seasons, the AFL has released its fixture on the Thursday in the week before the AFL National Draft - which is scheduled for commencement on Wednesday, November 19 this year.
This means the full AFL fixture will most likely be announced around Thursday, November 13, with Opening Round and Gather Round likely to be revealed in the days before.
When does the 2026 AFL season start?
The 2026 AFL season will likely begin on Thursday, March 5 with a fixture in Opening Round that is yet to be determined.
This prediction is based on the fact the 2025 season started on Thursday, March 6 with a blockbuster between premiers Brisbane and Geelong at the Gabba.
Round 1 is likely to feature the traditional 'season opener' between Carlton and Richmond that could be scheduled on Thursday, March 12 at the MCG.