The AFL has confirmed the fixture for the 2026 AAMI Community Series, which will run from Wednesday, 25 February to Sunday, 1 March.
All 18 clubs will participate in the pre-season competition, with matches to be played at regional and suburban venues across the country.
Ballarat fans are set for a full weekend of football, with Mars Stadium to host three of the nine matches: Melbourne vs. Richmond on Friday, St Kilda vs. Essendon on Saturday, and North Melbourne vs. Collingwood on Sunday.
It was announced last month that three pre-season matches would be played there as part of the ongoing collaboration between the AFL and Visit Victoria to ensure Ballarat remains a key venue for elite football during the redevelopment of Mars Stadium.
IKON Park, Henson Park, Brighton Homes Arena, Mission Whitten Oval, Rushton Park, and Mineral Resources Park will also welcome AFL action as part of the AAMI Community Series.
AFL Head of Strategy and Scheduling Josh Bowler said the 2026 AAMI Community Series provides an opportunity for fans to get an early look at their teams ahead of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
“We are pleased to confirm the fixture for the 2026 AAMI Community Series as we build towards another exciting season,” Bowler said.
“The AAMI Community Series gives fans a great chance to see their teams and new players in action before the season begins.
“We’re especially excited to host three of the nine games in Ballarat, giving local fans the chance to enjoy elite football in their backyard while the redevelopment of Mars Stadium continues.”
Suncorp Chief Executive of Consumer Insurance Lisa Harrison said:
“AAMI is proud to continue our partnership with the AFL for the 2026 pre-season competition.
“Following the excitement of the AAMI AFL Origin game in Perth in February, the AAMI Community Series will signal the official countdown to the footy season, bringing live football to fans in local and regional communities across the country.
“It’s just one of the many ways AAMI shows our commitment to making the game more accessible and supporting the sport at every level throughout Australia.”
The AAMI Community Series matches will take on the following format:
* 4 quarters of 20 mins plus time on (as per AFL Premiership Season)
* Squad of 30 players; 18 on field, eight interchange and four emergencies. Minimum of four players on the Interchange Bench during the match at any time
* No Interchange Cap
* Full panel of umpires appointed by the AFL.
* All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo and ticketed for fans to attend, with free general admission* for competing club members, AFL members and kids.
Tickets for the AAMI Community Series will go on sale in February, with further information to be communicated in January.
Clubs will also have the opportunity to participate in a match simulation training session at a date determined by the clubs prior to the AAMI Community Series matches.
Confirmed match simulation training sessions will be communicated by clubs with all sessions to be managed by each club and broadcast arrangements to be confirmed at a later date.
2026 AAMI Community Series fixture
Wednesday, February 25
Carlton v Geelong, Ikon Park, 7.10pm AEDT
Thursday, February 26
Sydney v GWS, Henson Park, 4.10pm AEDT
Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 6.10pm AEST
Friday, February 27
Melbourne v Richmond, Mars Stadium, 4.10pm AEDT
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Mission Whitten Oval, 7.10pm AEDT
Saturday, February 28
St Kilda v Essendon, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm AEDT
Fremantle v Adelaide, Rushton Park, 3.10pm AWST
Sunday, March 1
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Mars Stadium, 3.10pm AEDT
West Coast v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park, 3.10pm AWST
*Free general admission for competing club members, AFL members and kids is subject to capacity.
