THE AFL is pleased to confirm details for the match simulation and practice matches, with all practice matches free to attend.
All 18 clubs will compete in one official practice match, with the format and game length replicating Toyota AFL Premiership Season matches.
Sixteen clubs will participate in an additional match-simulation with the format, number of players, game length, and number of breaks to be agreed upon by the competing teams.
Due to the AFL's additional round of matches in South Australia for Gather Round, participation in match-simulation was made optional for clubs.
The Western Bulldogs and the GWS GIANTS have elected not to participate in the match-simulation.
Fans will have free entry to all practice matches. Arrangements for match simulation will be managed and communicated by each club.
AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcast Travis Auld said that he was pleased to give footy fans a glimpse of what is in store for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
"After an incredible 2022 - in which we saw two AFLW seasons and one of the best AFL seasons on record - the football industry took a well-earned break. Now, footy returns and momentum builds for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season," Auld said.
"Fans will get their first glimpse at new players, new coaches, and new captains ahead of a big 2023 season."
2023 Match Simulation (February 23-24)
Thursday, February 23
Geelong v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, 4pm AEDT, 4 x 20 mins (plus time on)
Gold Coast v Essendon, Austworld Oval (Carrara), 4pm local (5pm AEDT), 6 x 25 mins (no time on)
Friday, February 24
North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St, 10am AEDT, 6 periods, 4 x 25 mins and 2 x 20 mins (no time on)
Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, 11am AEDT, 4 x 25 mins (no time on)
Sydney v Brisbane, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), 12pm AEDT, 4 x 25 mins (no time on)
St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, 4pm AEDT, 6 x 25 mins (no time on)
Fremantle v Adelaide, Victor George Kailis Oval (Cockburn), 3.30pm local (6.30pm AEDT), 6 x 25 mins (no time on)
West Coast v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park (Perth) 4.40pm local (7.40pm AEDT), 6 periods, 4 x 28 mins and 2 x 20 mins (no time on)
2023 Practice Matches (March 2-4)
Thursday, March 2
Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, 5.10pm AEDT
Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, 4.10pm local (7.10pm AEDT)
Brisbane v Geelong, Brighton Homes Arena, 7.10pm local (8.10pm AEDT)
Friday, March 3
St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, 4.10pm AEDT
Sydney v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, 7.10pm AEDT
West Coast v Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park (Perth), 4.40pm local (7.40pm AEDT)
Saturday, March 4
GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sports Park, 12.10pm AEDT
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, 1.10pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, 4.10pm AEDT
Squads for the match simulation will be communicated by clubs on the day of the match.
Teams for the official practice matches will be released by the AFL at 5pm AEDT the day prior to the match.
