THE 2026 NAB AFLW Season will begin under lights at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, 9 August, with St Kilda and Carlton to headline an AFL/AFLW double-header as part of this year’s Spud’s Game.

The AFLW season opener will precede the Round 22 AFL clash between the same clubs, in an historic double-header, uniting footy for one cause – mental health.

Spud’s Game has become the competition’s marquee match for mental health, celebrating the legacy of former St Kilda captain Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley and raising vital funds for ground-breaking mental health research, prevention programs, and treatment.

This marks the sixth year that AFL Spud’s Game has united the industry for mental health and the third time the initiative has been celebrated at AFLW level. Since its inception, it has raised more than $1.4 million to support the Danny Frawley Community deliver programs to over 26,195 participants.

The Spud’s Game double-header to open the 2026 NAB AFLW Season is also one of four AFL/AFLW double-headers scheduled during the season crossover period, offering fans an extended day of football and a unique opportunity to see both competitions showcased on the same stage.

AFL Executive General Manager of AFLW, Health and Football Operations Laura Kane said:

“Opening the 2026 NAB AFLW Season through Spud’s Game at Marvel Stadium is an incredibly special way to launch the season and recognises the important role football plays in bringing people together, connecting communities and strengthening mental health.

“Danny Frawley’s legacy grows stronger each year, and the importance of mental health resonates deeply throughout our game. For the first time, we have brought both the AFL and AFLW competitions together for Spud’s Game.

“The AFLW season opener between St Kilda and Carlton, followed by the AFL Round 22 clash between the same clubs, will also be the first of four exciting AFL/AFLW double-headers this year.

“These double-headers will be a great opportunity to showcase the continued growth of women’s football, while giving fans more football to enjoy across an extended matchday experience.”

AFL Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing Dr Kate Hall said:

“The Frawley family, through Danny’s legacy, are one of the leading voices in our game for mental health. This historic double-header is the ultimate celebration of football’s power to bring the community together, and unites our whole competition in support of mental health.

We’ve long recognised our opportunity to strengthen and promote mental fitness through football. By supporting Spud’s Game, we can help thousands of Australians access evidence-based mental health programs, while contributing vital funds to accelerate world-leading research into the prevention, early intervention and treatment of mental ill-health.”

St Kilda Chief Executive Officer Carl Dilena said:

“Spud’s Game has become one of the most important and powerful mental health initiatives in Australian sport, and in 2026 we’re incredibly proud to take it to another level alongside the AFL, AFLW, Carlton and our partners.

“To have both our AFLW and AFL teams playing on the same day as part of Spud’s Game, while also launching the 2026 NAB AFLW Season, is a groundbreaking moment for the industry and a strong reflection of the importance of this cause.

“Football has an incredible ability to connect people, and that’s what Spud’s Game is all about – showing that mental fitness can be built through simple moments of togetherness.”

Chelsea Frawley, Head of the Danny Frawley Community and Danny’s daughter, said:

“Spud’s Game reflects what we see every day at Danny Frawley Community – that sport is one of the most powerful drivers of connection and belonging. It brings people together in ways that strengthen mental wellbeing, both on and off the field. 

“The AFL and AFLW coming together for this double-header highlights the role sport plays in building stronger, more connected communities, continuing Dad’s legacy through connection, now strengthened by Black Dog Institute’s mental health research.”

The AFLW season opener between St Kilda and Carlton will start at 4.35pm AEST, before their AFL teams face off at 7.20pm AEST.

Both matches will be broadcast live across the country on the Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel and Kayo.

The other eight AFLW Round 1 matches will be played across Thursday, 13 August to Sunday, 16 August.

The AFLW pre-season commenced last Monday, 11 May, with clubs now preparing for the highly anticipated start of the 2026 NAB AFLW Season.