A cultural performance ahead of the match between the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney at Marvel Stadium in round 21, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

The AFL and all 18 clubs will join forces to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Australian Football with the Cultural Heritage Series set to take place across the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

Kicking off in round one when Gold Coast SUNS host the West Coast Eagles at People First Stadium, the Cultural Heritage Series has been expanded to a league-wide initiative recognising the diverse cultural heritage of fans, players, participants and communities across the game.

Across the season, the Many Cultures, One Game theme will be embedded across all 18 scheduled matches; delivered through storytelling, community engagement and matchday experiences – on and off the field.

AFL Executive General Manager Game Development, Rob Auld said the Cultural Heritage Series is a powerful reflection of how football can bring people together.

"Our vision is for everyone to love and connect with Australia's game. With nearly 31 per cent of Australians born overseas, we need to reflect the rich cultural fabric of our nation so that footy can be in every home," Auld said.

"The Cultural Heritage Series recognises the many stories and contributions that have shaped Australian Football, highlighting the people involved in the game and showcasing our game is stronger when it reflects the communities around it.

"Growing the game from grassroots to the elite - the Cultural Heritage Series is supported by initiatives such as Community Connect and School Connect outlined in our Cultural Diversity Action Plan.

"Through this work, we’re partnering with communities across 21 local government areas nationwide, with more than 6,000 participants engaged to create meaningful pathways into the game.

"This series, alongside the year-round work happening across the league and our 18 clubs, is a powerful driver to ensure Australian Football remains inclusive, welcoming and reflective of the communities it exists in."

The Cultural Heritage Series is co-funded by the AFL and clubs, with club-nominated home games celebrating the theme with an elevated match-day experience.

Fans are encouraged to follow club channels for more information throughout the season, as clubs bring their celebrations to life through food, art, music, entertainment as well as match day guides and MCs in diverse languages.

The 2026 Cultural Heritage Series schedule: 

  • Round 1: Gold Coast SUNS v West Coast Eagles, Sunday 15 March, People First Stadium
  • Round 2: Hawthorn v Sydney Swans, Thursday 19 March, MCG
  • Round 4: West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans, Saturday 4 April, Optus Stadium
  • Round 6: Hawthorn v Port Adelaide, Saturday 18 April, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 6: North Melbourne v Richmond, Sunday 19 April, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 12: Sydney Swans v Richmond, Saturday 30 May, SCG
  • Round 14: St Kilda v GWS GIANTS, Sunday 14 June, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 15: GWS GIANTS v Carlton, Sunday 20 June, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 16: Fremantle v Gold Coast SUNS, TBC, Optus Stadium
  • Round 16: Carlton v Western Bulldogs, TBC, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 18: Collingwood v North Melbourne, TBC, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 18: Adelaide Crows v Gold Coast SUNS, TBC, Adelaide Oval
  • Round 20: Melbourne v Geelong, TBC, MCG
  • Round 20: Western Bulldogs v Richmond, TBC, Marvel Stadium
  • Round 21: Port Adelaide v GWS GIANTS, TBC, Adelaide Oval
  • Round 22: Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn, TBC, Gabba
  • Round 23: Richmond v St Kilda, TBC, MCG
  • Round 23: Essendon v Sydney Swans, TBC, MCG

Note: Geelong is delivering an AFLW game as part of the series, further games in the W season will be confirmed later this year. 

The Cultural Heritage Series will formally launch next week, with more details to follow.