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2026 AFL season

130th season of the Australian Football League (AFL) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The 2026 AFL season is the 130th season of the Australian Football League (AFL), the highest-level senior men's Australian rules football competition in Australia. The season features 18 clubs and will run from 5 March to 26 September, comprising a 23-match home-and-away season over 25 rounds, with a five-week finals series featuring the top ten clubs to occur for the first time.

Date5 March – 26 September 2026
Teams18
Minor premiersFremantle
2nd minor premiership
Brownlow MedallistNick Daicos (Collingwood)
47 votes
Quick facts Overview, Date ...
2026 AFL premiership season
Overview
Date5 March – 26 September 2026
Teams18
Minor premiersFremantle
2nd minor premiership
Brownlow MedallistNick Daicos (Collingwood)
47 votes
Coleman MedallistCharlie Curnow (Sydney)
69 goals
Attendance
Matches played217
Total attendance8,429,360 (38,845 per match)
Highest (H&A)92,231 (round 7, Essendon v Collingwood)
Highest (finals)97,835 (first preliminary final, Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions)
Updated to the end of finals week 4.
← 2025
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Fremantle won the minor premiership by finishing atop the home-and-away ladder with a 19–4 win–loss record. Collingwood's Nick Daicos won the Brownlow Medal as the league's best and fairest player and Sydney's Charlie Curnow won his third Coleman Medal as the league's leading goalkicker.

Background

In October 2025, the AFL announced two major changes to be brought into the competition for the 2026 season: the substitute rule was removed in favour of a five-player interchange; and the ball would no longer be bounced in the centre of the ground by a field umpire at the start of quarters and after goals, and would be thrown up instead.[1] The removal of the centre bounce ended a tradition dating back to 1887, with AFL executive general manager of football performance Greg Swann explaining that the skill of bouncing the ball was hindering the development of umpires and that the change would allow umpires to focus more on decision-making and reduce the likelihood of players making accidental umpire contact.[1] The AFL announced seven rule changes to reduce game length by approximately three minutes:[2]

  • The 6–6–6 rule would no longer require at least one player from each team to be in the goalsquare for centre ball-ups.
  • A 'last disposal' free kick would be awarded if the ball crossed the boundary line from a disposal between the 50-metre arcs, unless a nearby player does not attempt to play the ball or blocks an opponent.[a]
  • Ruckmen would no longer be allowed to cross the centre line during centre ball-ups, intended to increase the frequency of jumping ruck contests.
  • Players taking kick-ins would only be given eight seconds to restart play, down from approximately twelve seconds.
  • Field umpires could immediately restart play at around-the-ground ball-ups if a nominated ruckman was too far away or no nomination was made, however the 'third man up' was still not allowed.[b]
  • Players who shrug a tackle would be deemed to have had prior opportunity when considering holding the ball free kicks.
  • Players inside the five-metre protected area after a mark or free kick to an opponent would be required to stand the mark and would no longer be allowed to move out of the area.

Last disposal out of bounds decisions fell within the purview of decisions reviewable by the AFL Review Centre (ARC),[3] as had all out of bounds decisions since the 2025 finals series.[4] There was a key error late in the Geelong v Adelaide match in round 3: the boundary umpire incorrectly paid a last disposal free kick to Geelong instead of Adelaide, and Geelong restarted play before ARC had a chance to intervene, ultimately resulting in a goal to Geelong who won by eight points.[5] The AFL admitted the error the following day and announced a review of its ARC review processes.[3]

The AFL introduced a wildcard finals round, adding an extra week to the existing finals series and increasing the number of finalists from eight to ten; at the end of the home-and-away season, the seventh-placed team would host the tenth-placed team and eighth would host ninth in wildcard finals, before the remainder of the finals series would continue as per the previous final eight system.[6] The change was the first change to the AFL finals system since 2000.[7] The change was negatively received by the AFL Fans Association;[6] however, sports rights analyst Colin Smith explained that the league was protecting the value of the current $4.5 billion broadcast right deal by implementing the new system, with more finalists meaning fewer dead rubber matches later in the home-and-away season.[8]

A State of Origin match took place for the first time since 1999, with Western Australia playing Victoria at Optus Stadium in February 2026;[9] Victoria won the match by 24 points.[10]

Rules governing voting for the Brownlow Medal were changed, to provide umpires a set of player statistics prior to the lodging of votes.[11]

Coach appointments

More information New coach, Club ...
New coachClubDate of appointmentPrevious coachRef.
Josh Carr Port Adelaide12 February 2025[c]Ken Hinkley[12]
Steven King Melbourne12 September 2025Simon Goodwin[13]
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Club leadership

More information Club, Coach ...
Club Coach Leadership group
Captain(s)Vice-captain(s)Other leader(s)Ref.
Adelaide Matthew Nicks[14]Jordan DawsonBen Keays, Alex Neal-BullenIsaac Cumming, Darcy Fogarty, Reilly O'Brien, Riley Thilthorpe[15]
Brisbane Lions Chris Fagan[14]Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley,
Hugh McCluggage		Oscar Allen, Will Ashcroft, Jarrod Berry, Jaspa Fletcher, Cam Rayner[16]
Carlton Michael Voss[17]Patrick CrippsSam Walsh, Jacob Weitering[18]
Collingwood Craig McRae[14]Darcy MooreNick Daicos, Brayden MaynardDarcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott, Isaac Quaynor, Lachie Schultz[19]
Essendon Brad Scott[20]Andrew McGrathJye Caldwell, Sam Durham, Brayden Fiorini, Kyle Langford, Nic Martin, Mason Redman[21]
Fremantle Justin Longmuir[22]Alex PearceAndrew Brayshaw, Caleb SerongJordan Clark, Jaeger O'Meara, Sam Switkowski, Josh Treacy, Hayden Young[23]
Geelong Chris Scott[14]Patrick DangerfieldTom Stewart[24]
Gold Coast Damien Hardwick[14]Noah AndersonSam Collins, Touk MillerBen King, Wil Powell, Matt Rowell[25]
Greater Western Sydney Adam Kingsley[14]Toby GreeneJack Buckley, Tom Green, Connor Idun[26]
Hawthorn Sam Mitchell[27]Jai Newcombe, James Sicily[28]
Melbourne Steven King[29]Max GawnJack Viney[30]
North Melbourne Alastair Clarkson[31]Nick LarkeyHarry SheezelCharlie Comben, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tristan Xerri, Cameron Zurhaar[32]
Port Adelaide Josh Carr[33]Connor RozeeZak Butters, Willem DrewAliir Aliir, Miles Bergman, Mitch Georgiades, Jack Lukosius[34]
Richmond Adem YzeToby NankervisTim TarantoNathan Broad, Tom Lynch, Jack Ross, Jayden Short[35]
St Kilda Ross Lyon[14]Jack Sinclair, Callum WilkieMitch Owens, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mason Wood[36]
Sydney Dean Cox[14]Callum MillsIsaac Heeney[37]
West Coast Andrew McQualter[14]Liam Baker, Liam DugganMatt Flynn, Reuben Ginbey, Jack Graham, Brandon Starcevich, Jake Waterman[38]
Western Bulldogs Luke Beveridge[14]Marcus BontempelliAaron Naughton, Ed RichardsBailey Dale, Matthew Kennedy, Tom Liberatore, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West[39]
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Pre-season

State of Origin

Main article: 2026 AFL Origin

Starting time is local time. Source: afl.com.au

2026 AFL Origin
Saturday, 14 February (4:40 pm) Western Australia 15.11 (101) def. by Victoria 18.17 (125) Optus Stadium (crowd: 58,141)
3.1 (19)
8.4 (52)
11.6 (72)
15.11 (101)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 6.3 (39)
11.8 (74)
15.11 (101)
18.17 (125)
 Graham Moss Medal: Jesse Hogan
E. J. Whitten Medal: Lachie Ash
Hogan 5, C. Cameron 3, Jackson 2, Waterman 2, Bolton, Hill, Warner Goals King 4, Dangerfield 2, Greene 2, McCluggage 2, Merrett 2, Bontempelli, Butters, Daicos, Serong, Smith, Xerri
Hogan, Warner, Barrass, Hill, Baker, Bolton Best Daicos, Bontempelli, Serong, King, Butters, Ash, Stewart

Practice matches

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

More information Official practice matches ...
Official practice matches
Wednesday, 25 February (7:10 pm) Carlton 13.8 (86) def. Geelong 11.5 (71) Ikon Park
Thursday, 26 February (4:10 pm) Sydney 14.13 (97) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.11 (59) Henson Park
Thursday, 26 February (6:10 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.12 (126) def. Gold Coast 15.11 (101) Brighton Homes Arena
Friday, 27 February (4:10 pm) Melbourne 12.6 (78) def. Richmond 6.7 (43) Mars Stadium
Friday, 27 February (7:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 18.9 (117) def. Hawthorn 11.7 (73) Mission Whitten Oval
Saturday, 28 February (3:10 pm) St Kilda 17.13 (115) def. Essendon 10.12 (72) Mars Stadium
Saturday, 28 February (3:10 pm) Fremantle 12.12 (84) def. Adelaide 9.14 (68) Lane Group Stadium
Sunday, 1 March (3:10 pm) North Melbourne 12.18 (90) def. Collingwood 14.5 (89) Mars Stadium
Sunday, 1 March (3:10 pm) West Coast 9.13 (67) def. by Port Adelaide 22.8 (140) Mineral Resources Park
  • The Melbourne v Richmond match was abandoned with 14 minutes remaining in the third quarter after play was halted twice due to nearby lightning strikes.[40]
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Home-and-away season

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

Opening Round

More information Opening Round ...
Opening Round
Thursday, 5 March (7:30 pm) Sydney 20.12 (132) def. Carlton 10.9 (69) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,372)
Friday, 6 March (7:05 pm) Gold Coast 19.11 (125) def. Geelong 10.9 (69) People First Stadium (crowd: 19,859)
Saturday, 7 March (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 19.8 (122) def. Hawthorn 14.11 (95) Engie Stadium (crowd: 16,157)
Saturday, 7 March (6:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106) def. by Western Bulldogs 16.15 (111) The Gabba (crowd: 31,606)
Sunday, 8 March (7:20 pm) St Kilda 9.12 (66) def. by Collingwood 11.12 (78) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 82,528)
Bye
  • The crowd of 82,528 for the St Kilda v Collingwood match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match involving St Kilda.[41]
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Round 1

More information Round 1 ...
Round 1
Thursday, 12 March (7:30 pm) Carlton 10.15 (75) def. Richmond 9.17 (71) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 74,313)
Friday, 13 March (7:40 pm) Essendon 13.5 (83) def. by Hawthorn 21.19 (145) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 71,384)
Saturday, 14 March (1:15 pm) Western Bulldogs 21.8 (134) def. Greater Western Sydney 7.11 (53) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 28,318)
Saturday, 14 March (4:15 pm) Geelong 16.14 (110) def. Fremantle 14.16 (100) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 28,715)
Saturday, 14 March (7:10 pm) Sydney 15.14 (104) def. Brisbane Lions 8.12 (60) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,128)
Saturday, 14 March (7:35 pm) Collingwood 11.13 (79) def. by Adelaide 13.15 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 62,482)
Sunday, 15 March (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 17.11 (113) def. Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,318)
Sunday, 15 March (3:15 pm) Melbourne 18.12 (120) def. St Kilda 15.17 (107) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 44,577)
Sunday, 15 March (5:10 pm) Gold Coast 20.11 (131) def. West Coast 10.12 (72) People First Stadium (crowd: 13,309)
  • Fremantle's quarter-time score of 8.4 (52) was its highest in a match outside of Western Australia,[42] the equal-highest conceded by Geelong since 1983 and the highest conceded by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.[43]
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Round 2

More information Round 2 ...
Round 2
Thursday, 19 March (7:30 pm) Hawthorn 14.15 (99) def. Sydney 13.4 (82) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 47,945)
Friday, 20 March (7:10 pm) Adelaide 13.10 (88) def. by Western Bulldogs 14.10 (94) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 49,185)
Saturday, 21 March (1:15 pm) Richmond 9.6 (60) def. by Gold Coast 19.14 (128) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,468)
Saturday, 21 March (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 10.14 (74) def. by St Kilda 11.12 (78) Engie Stadium (crowd: 9,149)
Saturday, 21 March (4:35 pm) Fremantle 17.16 (118) def. Melbourne 10.10 (70) Optus Stadium (crowd: 44,736)
Sunday, 22 March (2:45 pm) Port Adelaide 20.13 (133) def. Essendon 10.10 (70) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 36,049)
Sunday, 22 March (3:10 pm) West Coast 17.9 (111) def. North Melbourne 15.4 (94) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,083)
Bye
  • The crowd of 49,185 for the Adelaide v Western Bulldogs match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[44]
  • The start of the Greater Western Sydney v St Kilda match was delayed by 50 minutes due to nearby lightning.[45]
  • West Coast's win over North Melbourne ended a 14-match losing streak.[46]
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Round 3

More information Round 3 ...
Round 3
Thursday, 26 March (7:30 pm) Geelong 9.14 (68) def. Adelaide 9.6 (60) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 20,403)
Friday, 27 March (7:40 pm) Collingwood 13.9 (87) def. Greater Western Sydney 7.12 (54) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,607)
Saturday, 28 March (12:35 pm) St Kilda 11.14 (80) def. by Brisbane Lions 17.11 (113) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,854)
Saturday, 28 March (1:15 pm) Fremantle 13.25 (103) def. Richmond 6.7 (43) Optus Stadium (crowd: 35,245)
Saturday, 28 March (7:35 pm) Essendon 9.15 (69) def. by North Melbourne 12.9 (81) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,154)
Sunday, 29 March (12:00 pm) Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) def. by West Coast 13.14 (92) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,754)
Sunday, 29 March (3:15 pm) Carlton 11.11 (77) def. by Melbourne 15.10 (100) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 67,763)
Bye
  • North Melbourne's win was its first over Essendon since 2016, ending a twelve-match losing streak.[47]
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Round 4

More information Round 4 ...
Round 4
Thursday, 2 April (6:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 17.17 (119) def. Collingwood 10.5 (65) The Gabba (crowd: 34,648)
Friday, 3 April (3:15 pm) North Melbourne 14.12 (96) def. Carlton 13.8 (86) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 45,919)
Friday, 3 April (6:45 pm) Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. by Fremantle 11.12 (78) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 48,627)
Saturday, 4 April (4:15 pm) Richmond 6.12 (48) def. by Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 34,471)
Saturday, 4 April (4:35 pm) West Coast 4.11 (35) def. by Sydney 24.19 (163) Optus Stadium (crowd: 50,723)
Sunday, 5 April (3:15 pm) Melbourne 16.13 (109) def. Gold Coast 14.5 (89) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 24,287)
Sunday, 5 April (7:20 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.15 (99) def. Essendon 9.11 (65) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 38,786)
Monday, 6 April (3:15 pm) Hawthorn 13.14 (92) def. Geelong 14.7 (91) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 84,712)
Bye
  • Sydney's 128-point win over West Coast was its biggest win in an away match.[48]
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Round 5

More information Round 5 (Gather Round) ...
Round 5 (Gather Round)
Thursday, 9 April (7:10 pm) Adelaide 17.12 (114) def. Carlton 12.14 (86) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 49,184)
Friday, 10 April (7:10 pm) Collingwood 5.9 (39) def. by Fremantle 7.3 (45) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,275)
Saturday, 11 April (12:05 pm) North Melbourne 9.12 (66) def. by Brisbane Lions 13.14 (92) Barossa Park (crowd: 10,613)
Saturday, 11 April (12:45 pm) Essendon 17.11 (113) def. Melbourne 10.8 (68) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 38,006)
Saturday, 11 April (3:45 pm) Sydney 14.16 (100) def. Gold Coast 9.14 (68) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,228)
Saturday, 11 April (7:05 pm) Hawthorn 15.14 (104) def. Western Bulldogs 8.16 (64) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 48,451)
Sunday, 12 April (12:00 pm) Geelong 17.20 (122) def. West Coast 11.10 (76) Norwood Oval (crowd: 9,434)
Sunday, 12 April (2:45 pm) Greater Western Sydney 20.11 (131) def. Richmond 11.9 (75) Barossa Park (crowd: 10,508)
Sunday, 12 April (6:45 pm) Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) def. by St Kilda 12.9 (81) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,319)
  • Fremantle's score of 7.3 (45) against Collingwood was the lowest winning score in the club's history,[49] and its total of ten scores was the fewest by any winning team since 1968.[50]
  • Essendon's win over Melbourne ended an equal club-record 17-match losing streak.[51]
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Round 6

More information Round 6 ...
Round 6
Thursday, 16 April (7:30 pm) Carlton 12.11 (83) def. by Collingwood 13.10 (88) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 78,058)
Friday, 17 April (7:20 pm) Geelong 19.17 (131) def. Western Bulldogs 8.8 (56) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 33,200)
Friday, 17 April (7:50 pm) Sydney 17.5 (107) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.18 (66) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 43,986)
Saturday, 18 April (1:15 pm) Gold Coast 17.17 (119) def. Essendon 17.8 (110) People First Stadium (crowd: 19,039)
Saturday, 18 April (4:15 pm) Hawthorn 13.11 (89) def. Port Adelaide 13.8 (86) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 37,070)
Saturday, 18 April (7:05 pm) Adelaide 15.13 (103) def. St Kilda 15.12 (102) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 45,854)
Sunday, 19 April (1:10 pm) North Melbourne 20.10 (130) def. Richmond 7.13 (55) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 36,584)
Sunday, 19 April (3:15 pm) Melbourne 16.8 (104) def. Brisbane Lions 15.12 (102) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,629)
Sunday, 19 April (3:10 pm) West Coast 5.11 (41) def. by Fremantle 14.13 (97) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,232)
  • Talor Byrne (Carlton) had a shot at goal after the final siren to draw the match against Collingwood, but kicked a behind.[52]
  • Due to nearby lightning, the start of the third quarter of the Sydney v Greater Western Sydney match was delayed by 40 minutes under the AFL's lightning protocols.[53]
  • The crowd of 43,986 for the Sydney v Greater Western Sydney match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away Sydney Derby and the largest between the two clubs at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[54]
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Round 7

More information Round 7 (Anzac Appeal Round) ...
Round 7 (Anzac Appeal Round)
Thursday, 23 April (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 9.6 (60) def. by Sydney 18.18 (126) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,523)
Friday, 24 April (7:40 pm) Richmond 11.6 (72) def. by Melbourne 19.12 (126) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 67,364)
Saturday, 25 April (12:30 pm) Hawthorn 16.16 (112) def. Gold Coast 9.9 (63) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 8,263)
Saturday, 25 April (3:20 pm) Essendon 9.6 (60) def. by Collingwood 20.17 (137) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 92,231)
Saturday, 25 April (6:05 pm) Port Adelaide 13.17 (95) def. Geelong 10.5 (65) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 41,164)
Saturday, 25 April (6:15 pm) Fremantle 16.7 (103) def. Carlton 13.11 (89) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,100)
Sunday, 26 April (1:10 pm) St Kilda 22.11 (143) def. West Coast 5.12 (42) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,070)
Sunday, 26 April (3:15 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.13 (127) def. Adelaide 11.9 (75) The Gabba (crowd: 32,629)
Sunday, 26 April (4:40 pm) Greater Western Sydney 15.15 (105) def. North Melbourne 14.14 (98) Corroboree Group Oval (crowd: 12,597)
  • The Hawthorn v Gold Coast match was moved back from 12:15pm to 12:30pm after having mistakenly been scheduled in violation of Tasmanian law prohibiting sporting events from commencing before 12:30pm on Anzac Day; consequently, the Essendon v Collingwood match was moved back by five minutes to minimise overlap between the two matches.[55]
  • The crowd of 54,100 for the Fremantle v Carlton match was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[56]
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Round 8

More information Round 8 ...
Round 8
Thursday, 30 April (7:30 pm) Collingwood 15.3 (93) drew with Hawthorn 13.15 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 76,632)
Friday, 1 May (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102) def. by Fremantle 17.12 (114) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 23,071)
Friday, 1 May (7:40 pm) Adelaide 11.10 (76) def. Port Adelaide 11.9 (75) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 53,045)
Saturday, 2 May (12:35 pm) Essendon 11.13 (79) def. by Brisbane Lions 22.11 (143) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,595)
Saturday, 2 May (2:15 pm) West Coast 13.10 (88) def. by Richmond 15.9 (99) Optus Stadium (crowd: 46,350)
Saturday, 2 May (4:35 pm) Geelong 21.9 (135) def. North Melbourne 13.8 (86) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 32,485)
Saturday, 2 May (7:35 pm) Carlton 9.15 (69) def. by St Kilda 16.12 (108) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,062)
Sunday, 3 May (3:15 pm) Sydney 19.17 (131) def. Melbourne 17.12 (114) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,673)
Sunday, 3 May (7:20 pm) Gold Coast 11.17 (83) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.15 (63) People First Stadium (crowd: 13,537)
  • Dylan Moore (Hawthorn) kicked a goal after the final siren to draw the match against Collingwood.[57]
  • Richmond's win over West Coast ended a twelve-match losing streak.[58]
Close

Round 9

More information Round 9 ...
Round 9
Thursday, 7 May (6:10 pm) Fremantle 12.16 (88) def. Hawthorn 11.7 (73) Optus Stadium (crowd: 54,140)
Friday, 8 May (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 14.16 (100) def. Carlton 13.11 (89) The Gabba (crowd: 31,147)
Friday, 8 May (7:40 pm) Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) def. by Western Bulldogs 10.14 (74) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,883)
Saturday, 9 May (12:35 pm) North Melbourne 14.13 (97) def. by Sydney 16.9 (105) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 28,156)
Saturday, 9 May (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 16.7 (103) def. Essendon 13.11 (89) Engie Stadium (crowd: 9,416)
Saturday, 9 May (6:40 pm) Gold Coast 13.11 (89) def. St Kilda 8.12 (60) TIO Stadium (crowd: 10,672)
Saturday, 9 May (7:35 pm) Geelong 18.14 (122) def. Collingwood 9.14 (68) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,166)
Sunday, 10 May (1:10 pm) Melbourne 15.9 (99) def. West Coast 9.13 (67) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 16,650)
Sunday, 10 May (3:15 pm) Richmond 9.7 (61) def. by Adelaide 14.14 (98) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 22,123)
  • The crowd of 54,140 for the Fremantle v Hawthorn match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[59]
Close

Round 10

More information Round 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 1) ...
Round 10 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 1)
Thursday, 14 May (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 11.10 (76) def. by Geelong 17.15 (117) The Gabba (crowd: 29,221)
Friday, 15 May (7:30 pm) Sydney 11.15 (81) def. Collingwood 10.15 (75) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,627)
Friday, 15 May (7:40 pm) Gold Coast 15.8 (98) def. Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) TIO Stadium (crowd: 11,974)
Saturday, 16 May (12:45 pm) Adelaide 20.13 (133) def. North Melbourne 9.11 (65) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 41,313)
Saturday, 16 May (4:15 pm) Melbourne 18.12 (120) def. Hawthorn 12.9 (81) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 68,557)
Saturday, 16 May (7:35 pm) Carlton 10.14 (74) def. Western Bulldogs 9.8 (62) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 39,217)
Sunday, 17 May (1:10 pm) Essendon 8.13 (61) def. by Fremantle 16.8 (104) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 25,100)
Sunday, 17 May (3:15 pm) St Kilda 16.13 (109) def. Richmond 11.7 (73) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 31,230)
Sunday, 17 May (4:15 pm) West Coast 13.10 (88) def. Greater Western Sydney 10.11 (71) Optus Stadium (crowd: 36,781)
  • The crowd of 68,557 for the Melbourne v Hawthorn match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[60]
Close

Round 11

More information Round 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 2) ...
Round 11 (Sir Doug Nicholls Round week 2)
Thursday, 21 May (7:30 pm) Hawthorn 10.15 (75) def. Adelaide 9.12 (66) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 8,312)
Friday, 22 May (7:45 pm) Richmond 10.14 (74) def. Essendon 7.14 (56) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 78,815)
Friday, 22 May (6:30 pm) Fremantle 16.8 (104) def. St Kilda 11.8 (74) Optus Stadium (crowd: 53,707)
Saturday, 23 May (1:15 pm) North Melbourne 17.9 (111) def. Gold Coast 16.9 (105) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 16,260)
Saturday, 23 May (4:15 pm) Geelong 15.17 (107) def. Sydney 12.8 (80) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 35,869)
Saturday, 23 May (4:35 pm) Collingwood 13.14 (92) def. West Coast 12.10 (82) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 90,028)
Saturday, 23 May (7:05 pm) Port Adelaide 8.10 (58) def. by Carlton 13.14 (92) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 40,597)
Sunday, 24 May (12:30 pm) Greater Western Sydney 26.10 (166) def. Brisbane Lions 13.10 (88) Engie Stadium (crowd: 8,394)
Sunday, 24 May (3:15 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.9 (93) def. Melbourne 13.12 (90) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,708)
  • The crowd of 53,707 for the Fremantle v St Kilda match was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[61]
  • Fremantle's win over St Kilda was its tenth consecutive win, a club record;[61] it would win a further four matches to extend the streak to 14 matches.[62]
  • North Melbourne trailed by 43 points in the second quarter of its match against Gold Coast and went on to win, recording its biggest comeback since 1947;[63] Cameron Zurhaar (North Melbourne) kicked the winning goal after the final siren.[64]
  • Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) played his 433rd AFL match against West Coast, breaking the VFL/AFL games record held by Brent Harvey (North Melbourne);[65] the crowd of 90,028 for the match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match involving a non-Victorian club.[66]
  • Greater Western Sydney scored 14.2 (86) in the third quarter of its match against the Brisbane Lions; this was the highest-scoring quarter in the club's history,[67] and the highest-scoring quarter against a reigning premier and highest-scoring third quarter in VFL/AFL history.[68]
  • Greater Western Sydney's final score of 26.10 (166) against the Brisbane Lions was its highest ever.[67]
Close

Round 12

More information Round 12 ...
Round 12
Thursday, 28 May (7:30 pm) St Kilda 9.13 (67) def. by Hawthorn 18.11 (119) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 33,476)
Friday, 29 May (7:40 pm) Carlton 12.16 (88) def. Geelong 12.12 (84) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 61,081)
Saturday, 30 May (1:15 pm) Sydney 25.20 (170) def. Richmond 8.8 (56) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,013)
Saturday, 30 May (4:15 pm) Brisbane Lions 10.18 (78) def. by Fremantle 15.13 (103) The Gabba (crowd: 32,423)
Saturday, 30 May (7:35 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) def. Collingwood 13.15 (93) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 43,430)
Sunday, 31 May (2:45 pm) Melbourne 9.16 (70) def. by Greater Western Sydney 19.5 (119) TIO Traeger Park (crowd: 6,374)
Sunday, 31 May (5:20 pm) West Coast 12.13 (85) def. Essendon 8.7 (55) Optus Stadium (crowd: 37,623)
Bye
  • St Kilda scored 0.5 (5) in the first half of its match against Hawthorn; this was its first goalless opening half since 1987 and its equal-lowest half-time score since 1957.[69]
Close

Round 13

More information Round 13 ...
Round 13
Thursday, 4 June (7:00 pm) Adelaide 11.9 (75) def. Geelong 10.14 (74) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 42,340)
Friday, 5 June (7:40 pm) Hawthorn 9.17 (71) def. by Western Bulldogs 12.5 (77) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 59,556)
Saturday, 6 June (12:15 pm) North Melbourne 4.7 (31) def. by Fremantle 24.11 (155) Hands Oval (crowd: 13,331)
Saturday, 6 June (5:15 pm) Gold Coast 11.9 (75) def. by Brisbane Lions 15.16 (106) People First Stadium (crowd: 21,139)
Saturday, 6 June (6:15 pm) West Coast 10.11 (71) def. by Port Adelaide 11.11 (77) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,479)
Sunday, 7 June (3:15 pm) Sydney 15.14 (104) def. St Kilda 15.12 (102) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 42,143)
Sunday, 7 June (7:20 pm) Essendon 10.7 (67) def. by Carlton 10.12 (72) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 76,745)
Monday, 8 June (3:15 pm) Collingwood 11.9 (75) def. by Melbourne 12.11 (83) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 88,019)
Bye
  • The crowd of 59,556 for the Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[70]
  • The margin of 124 points in the North Melbourne v Fremantle match was Fremantle's biggest ever win[71] and the biggest loss of North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson's coaching career.[72]
  • Fremantle kicked the last 19 goals in its win over North Melbourne, the longest unanswered sequence of goals in its history.[71]
  • The crowd of 21,139 for the Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions match was the largest crowd for a QClash at People First Stadium.[73]
  • The crowd of 88,019 for the Collingwood v Melbourne match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs since 1958.[74]
  • Six matches in round 13 were decided by margins under ten points, the most in a home-and-away round in VFL/AFL history.[75]
Close

Round 14

More information Round 14 ...
Round 14
Thursday, 11 June (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 9.10 (64) def. by Adelaide 19.7 (121) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 22,761)
Friday, 12 June (7:40 pm) Geelong 15.15 (105) def. Gold Coast 8.12 (60) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 30,276)
Saturday, 13 June (1:15 pm) Melbourne 13.17 (95) def. Essendon 6.14 (50) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,438)
Saturday, 13 June (2:15 pm) North Melbourne 10.14 (74) def. West Coast 10.13 (73) Optus Stadium (crowd: 42,409)
Saturday, 13 June (7:05 pm) Port Adelaide 13.12 (90) def. by Sydney 14.9 (93) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 31,350)
Sunday, 14 June (1:10 pm) Richmond 12.8 (80) def. by Brisbane Lions 17.13 (115) Ninja Stadium (crowd: 10,200)
Sunday, 14 June (3:15 pm) St Kilda 14.12 (96) def. Greater Western Sydney 13.10 (88) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 17,748)
Bye
Close

Round 15

More information Round 15 ...
Round 15
Thursday, 18 June (6:10 pm) Fremantle 14.15 (99) def. Geelong 14.6 (90) Optus Stadium (crowd: 55,201)
Friday, 19 June (7:40 pm) Gold Coast 14.13 (97) def. by Hawthorn 17.11 (113) People First Stadium (crowd: 19,576)
Saturday, 20 June (12:45 pm) Adelaide 11.13 (79) def. Melbourne 9.8 (62) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 46,337)
Saturday, 20 June (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 9.11 (65) def. by Carlton 12.16 (88) Engie Stadium (crowd: 13,709)
Saturday, 20 June (7:35 pm) Collingwood 11.12 (78) def. Port Adelaide 6.16 (52) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,860)
Sunday, 21 June (1:10 pm) Richmond 6.12 (48) def. by North Melbourne 10.13 (73) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,806)
Sunday, 21 June (3:15 pm) St Kilda 8.13 (61) def. by Western Bulldogs 12.11 (83) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 30,194)
Bye
  • The crowd of 55,201 for the Fremantle v Geelong match was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[76]
Close

Round 16

More information Round 16 ...
Round 16
Thursday, 25 June (7:30 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.12 (126) def. Sydney 12.11 (83) The Gabba (crowd: 29,700)
Friday, 26 June (7:40 pm) Hawthorn 14.12 (96) def. Greater Western Sydney 12.10 (82) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 35,238)
Saturday, 27 June (1:15 pm) Carlton 17.15 (117) def. West Coast 9.10 (64) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 41,861)
Saturday, 27 June (4:15 pm) Collingwood 15.16 (106) def. Richmond 11.6 (72) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 62,117)
Saturday, 27 June (7:05 pm) Port Adelaide 13.19 (97) def. Adelaide 11.5 (71) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 50,087)
Sunday, 28 June (3:15 pm) North Melbourne 10.19 (79) def. Essendon 9.11 (65) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 37,054)
Sunday, 28 June (3:10 pm) Fremantle 11.14 (80) def. Gold Coast 3.11 (29) Optus Stadium (crowd: 50,602)
Bye
  • The crowd of 35,238 for the Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[77]
  • The crowd of 50,602 for the Fremantle v Gold Coast match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[78]
  • Gold Coast's final score of 3.11 (29) was its lowest against Fremantle.[79]
Close

Round 17

More information Round 17 ...
Round 17
Thursday, 2 July (7:30 pm) Geelong 14.17 (101) def. by Brisbane Lions 19.9 (123) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 26,741)
Friday, 3 July (7:40 pm) Sydney 13.12 (90) def. Western Bulldogs 7.13 (55) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,770)
Friday, 3 July (6:10 pm) West Coast 11.8 (74) def. by Adelaide 15.9 (99) Optus Stadium (crowd: 35,227)
Saturday, 4 July (1:15 pm) Hawthorn 14.6 (90) def. by Melbourne 19.11 (125) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 9,377)
Saturday, 4 July (1:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 16.13 (109) def. Fremantle 13.10 (88) Corroboree Group Oval (crowd: 11,856)
Saturday, 4 July (4:15 pm) Gold Coast 15.8 (98) def. by Collingwood 15.14 (104) People First Stadium (crowd: 21,072)
Saturday, 4 July (7:35 pm) Richmond 10.12 (72) def. by Carlton 10.14 (74) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 54,923)
Sunday, 5 July (3:15 pm) Essendon 7.8 (50) def. by St Kilda 17.15 (117) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 34,713)
Sunday, 5 July (4:10 pm) Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) def. North Melbourne 7.10 (52) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 33,105)
  • Fremantle's loss to Greater Western Sydney ended a club-record 14-match winning streak.[62]
Close

Round 18

More information Round 18 ...
Round 18
Thursday, 9 July (6:10 pm) Fremantle 15.21 (111) def. Sydney 10.13 (73) Optus Stadium (crowd: 55,966)
Friday, 10 July (7:40 pm) Collingwood 13.11 (89) def. North Melbourne 12.13 (85) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 48,369)
Saturday, 11 July (1:15 pm) St Kilda 13.9 (87) def. Port Adelaide 10.13 (73) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 22,074)
Saturday, 11 July (4:15 pm) Greater Western Sydney 12.14 (86) def. Geelong 11.7 (73) Engie Stadium (crowd: 13,821)
Saturday, 11 July (7:35 pm) Carlton 6.3 (39) def. by Hawthorn 15.13 (103) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 70,314)
Saturday, 11 July (7:40 pm) Adelaide 19.14 (128) def. Gold Coast 7.7 (49) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 40,165)
Sunday, 12 July (1:10 pm) Western Bulldogs 13.8 (86) def. West Coast 9.16 (70) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,909)
Sunday, 12 July (3:15 pm) Melbourne 16.15 (111) def. Richmond 9.11 (65) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 32,893)
Sunday, 12 July (4:40 pm) Brisbane Lions 22.17 (149) def. Essendon 8.11 (59) The Gabba (crowd: 30,505)
  • The crowd of 55,966 for the Fremantle v Sydney match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs[80] and Fremantle's largest home crowd for a home-and-away match outside of a Western Derby.[81]
  • Fremantle's score of 9.5 (59) in the final quarter of its match against Sydney was the highest in a final quarter in its history.[82]
  • Fremantle's final score of 15.21 (111) against Sydney was the highest by a team that went goalless in the first half of a match, having scored 0.11 (11) to half-time.[83]
  • Greater Western Sydney trailed by 39 points in the third quarter of its match against Geelong and went on to win, recording its equal-biggest comeback.[84]
  • The Brisbane Lions' 90-point win was its biggest over Essendon.[85]
Close

Round 19

More information Round 19 ...
Round 19
Thursday, 16 July (7:30 pm) Geelong 15.12 (102) def. St Kilda 11.9 (75) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 23,737)
Friday, 17 July (7:40 pm) Sydney 10.11 (71) def. by Adelaide 13.9 (87) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 33,413)
Saturday, 18 July (12:45 pm) Port Adelaide 11.9 (75) def. by Fremantle 15.13 (103) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 28,727)
Saturday, 18 July (4:15 pm) North Melbourne 11.10 (76) def. by Melbourne 13.14 (92) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,025)
Saturday, 18 July (7:35 pm) Collingwood 14.6 (90) def. Carlton 10.9 (69) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,885)
Saturday, 18 July (6:10 pm) West Coast 10.9 (69) def. by Brisbane Lions 13.15 (93) Optus Stadium (crowd: 41,560)
Sunday, 19 July (1:10 pm) Richmond 6.16 (52) def. by Hawthorn 18.14 (122) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 49,127)
Sunday, 19 July (3:15 pm) Gold Coast 9.14 (68) def. by Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) People First Stadium (crowd: 14,809)
Sunday, 19 July (4:40 pm) Essendon 10.7 (67) def. Greater Western Sydney 8.16 (64) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 14,601)
  • The crowd of 14,601 for the Essendon v Greater Western Sydney match was Essendon's smallest home crowd since 2016, excluding matches with restricted crowds during the COVID-19-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.[86]
  • Jake Stringer (Greater Western Sydney) kicked seven behinds without a goal in the match against Essendon, the most behinds by a player without kicking a goal since 2003.[87]
  • Essendon's win over Greater Western Sydney ended a 12-match losing streak, and was its first win in Victoria in over a year.[88]
Close

Round 20

More information Round 20 ...
Round 20
Thursday, 23 July (7:00 pm) Adelaide 11.8 (74) def. by Collingwood 16.12 (108) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 50,109)
Friday, 24 July (7:40 pm) Melbourne 14.13 (97) def. by Geelong 18.9 (117) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 49,292)
Friday, 24 July (6:10 pm) Fremantle 16.16 (112) def. West Coast 6.6 (42) Optus Stadium (crowd: 56,616)
Saturday, 25 July (1:05 pm) Carlton 16.14 (110) def. Gold Coast 15.7 (97) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 26,945)
Saturday, 25 July (4:15 pm) Hawthorn 19.18 (132) def. Essendon 5.9 (39) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 42,509)
Saturday, 25 July (4:35 pm) Greater Western Sydney 13.10 (88) def. by Sydney 21.13 (139) Engie Stadium (crowd: 20,141)
Saturday, 25 July (7:40 pm) Western Bulldogs 15.15 (105) def. Richmond 7.6 (48) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,154)
Sunday, 26 July (1:10 pm) Brisbane Lions 19.12 (126) def. Port Adelaide 9.13 (67) The Gabba (crowd: 30,722)
Sunday, 26 July (3:15 pm) North Melbourne 8.14 (62) def. by St Kilda 13.15 (93) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,523)
  • The crowd of 56,616 for the Fremantle v West Coast match was Fremantle's largest home crowd for a home-and-away match.[89]
  • Essendon's final score of 5.9 (39) was its lowest against Hawthorn.[90]
Close

Round 21

More information Round 21 ...
Round 21
Thursday, 30 July (7:30 pm) Collingwood 10.12 (72) def. by Geelong 15.7 (97) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 60,023)
Friday, 31 July (6:10 pm) Fremantle 11.12 (78) def. Western Bulldogs 5.11 (41) Optus Stadium (crowd: 53,524)
Saturday, 1 August (1:05 pm) St Kilda 13.10 (88) def. by Sydney 16.11 (107) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 32,512)
Saturday, 1 August (1:35 pm) Hawthorn 14.15 (99) def. North Melbourne 12.11 (83) University of Tasmania Stadium (crowd: 9,420)
Saturday, 1 August (6:05 pm) Port Adelaide 9.9 (63) def. by Greater Western Sydney 10.15 (75) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 30,758)
Saturday, 1 August (7:40 pm) Carlton 24.10 (154) def. Brisbane Lions 11.12 (78) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 40,988)
Sunday, 2 August (1:10 pm) Richmond 12.12 (84) def. West Coast 9.19 (73) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 33,737)
Sunday, 2 August (3:15 pm) Gold Coast 16.9 (105) def. by Melbourne 18.6 (114) People First Stadium (crowd: 14,963)
Sunday, 2 August (4:40 pm) Essendon 11.7 (73) def. by Adelaide 23.7 (145) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 20,518)
  • The crowd of 53,524 for the Fremantle v Western Bulldogs match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[91]
Close

Round 22

More information Round 22 ...
Round 22
Thursday, 6 August (7:30 pm) Western Bulldogs 11.11 (77) def. by North Melbourne 15.10 (100) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 25,052)
Friday, 7 August (7:40 pm) Brisbane Lions 18.17 (125) def. Hawthorn 8.10 (58) The Gabba (crowd: 33,003)
Saturday, 8 August (1:15 pm) Melbourne 17.11 (113) def. Fremantle 17.7 (109) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,938)
Saturday, 8 August (4:15 pm) Sydney 26.11 (167) def. Port Adelaide 10.10 (70) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 40,014)
Saturday, 8 August (4:35 pm) Geelong 17.15 (117) def. Essendon 7.8 (50) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 33,379)
Saturday, 8 August (7:05 pm) Adelaide 9.9 (63) def. Richmond 7.12 (54) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 42,762)
Sunday, 9 August (1:10 pm) Greater Western Sydney 11.11 (77) def. by Gold Coast 11.13 (79) Corroboree Group Oval (crowd: 5,814)
Sunday, 9 August (2:10 pm) West Coast 15.8 (98) def. by Collingwood 17.15 (117) Optus Stadium (crowd: 47,609)
Sunday, 9 August (7:20 pm) St Kilda 8.14 (62) def. by Carlton 16.10 (106) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 43,434)
  • Sydney's final score of 26.11 (167) was its highest against Port Adelaide.[92]
  • Gold Coast's win over Greater Western Sydney ended a ten-match losing streak.[93]
Close

Round 23

More information Round 23 ...
Round 23
Friday, 14 August (6:10 pm) Fremantle 16.16 (112) def. Adelaide 13.10 (88) Optus Stadium (crowd: 55,010)
Saturday, 15 August (12:35 pm) Richmond 6.9 (45) def. by St Kilda 14.10 (94) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 35,850)
Saturday, 15 August (3:45 pm) North Melbourne 17.8 (110) def. by Geelong 19.11 (125) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 35,529)
Saturday, 15 August (4:15 pm) Brisbane Lions 14.11 (95) def. Gold Coast 6.17 (53) The Gabba (crowd: 30,413)
Saturday, 15 August (7:40 pm) Hawthorn 13.14 (92) drew with Collingwood 13.14 (92) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 76,186)
Saturday, 15 August (7:40 pm) Port Adelaide 8.8 (56) def. by Melbourne 20.12 (132) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 28,417)
Sunday, 16 August (1:40 pm) Greater Western Sydney 16.15 (111) def. West Coast 7.15 (57) Engie Stadium (crowd: 7,345)
Sunday, 16 August (3:15 pm) Western Bulldogs 12.10 (82) drew with Carlton 12.10 (82) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 44,106)
Sunday, 16 August (4:40 pm) Essendon 11.10 (76) def. by Sydney 17.10 (112) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 24,767)
  • The crowd of 55,010 for the Fremantle v Adelaide match was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[94]
  • Dylan Moore (Hawthorn) had a shot at goal at the final siren to win the match against Collingwood, having kicked the match-drawing goal against Collingwood earlier in the season, but the ball fell short, resulting in a second draw.[95]
  • The crowd of 24,767 for the Essendon v Sydney match was the smallest for a match involving Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 1993, excluding matches with restricted crowds during the COVID-19-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons.[96]
  • Round 23 was the first home-and-away round to feature two draws since 1977.[97]
Close

Round 24

More information Round 24 ...
Round 24
Thursday, 20 August (7:30 pm) St Kilda 12.8 (80) def. by Gold Coast 14.19 (103) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 14,429)
Friday, 21 August (7:40 pm) Collingwood 15.6 (96) def. by Brisbane Lions 25.9 (159) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 66,846)
Saturday, 22 August (1:15 pm) Carlton 18.11 (119) def. Fremantle 12.10 (82) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 42,020)
Saturday, 22 August (4:15 pm) Melbourne 12.15 (87) def. by Western Bulldogs 16.12 (108) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 44,258)
Saturday, 22 August (7:45 pm) Geelong 20.13 (133) def. Richmond 11.10 (76) GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 29,194)
Saturday, 22 August (7:40 pm) Adelaide 24.13 (157) def. Greater Western Sydney 15.11 (101) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 52,332)
Sunday, 23 August (12:20 pm) Essendon 14.11 (95) def. by Port Adelaide 16.9 (105) Marvel Stadium (crowd: 29,200)
Sunday, 23 August (3:20 pm) Sydney 17.21 (123) def. North Melbourne 10.10 (70) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,058)
Sunday, 23 August (5:20 pm) West Coast 6.9 (45) def. by Hawthorn 16.11 (107) Optus Stadium (crowd: 43,066)
  • The crowd of 52,332 for the Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney match was the largest crowd for a home-and-away match between the two clubs.[98]
Close

Ladder

More information Pos, Team ...
Pos Team Pld W L D PF PA PP Pts Qualification
1 Fremantle 23 19 4 0 2286 1666 137.2 76 Finals series
2 Sydney 23 18 5 0 2543 1869 136.1 72
3 Brisbane Lions 23 16 7 0 2499 2054 121.7 64
4 Hawthorn 23 15 6 2 2260 1881 120.1 64
5 Geelong 23 15 8 0 2355 1925 122.3 60
6 Adelaide 23 15 8 0 2169 1849 117.3 60
7 Melbourne 23 15 8 0 2301 2099 109.6 60
8 Western Bulldogs 23 13 9 1 1901 1992 95.4 54
9 Collingwood 23 12 9 2 2021 1974 102.4 52
10 Carlton 23 12 10 1 2007 1978 101.5 50
11 St Kilda 23 10 13 0 2030 1974 102.8 40
12 Greater Western Sydney 23 10 13 0 2073 2095 98.9 40
13 Gold Coast 23 9 14 0 2011 2128 94.5 36
14 North Melbourne 23 9 14 0 1932 2175 88.8 36
15 Port Adelaide 23 7 16 0 1804 2048 88.1 28
16 West Coast 23 4 19 0 1615 2333 69.2 16
17 Richmond 23 3 20 0 1483 2373 62.5 12
18 Essendon 23 2 21 0 1601 2478 64.6 8
Close
Source: afl.com.au
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for

Progression by round

4Finished the round in first place0Finished the round in last place
4Won the minor premiership0Finished the season in last place
4Finished the round inside the top ten
41Subscript indicates the ladder position at the end of the round
41Underlined points indicate the team had a bye that round
More information Team, O ...
TeamO123456789101112131415161718192021222324
Fremantle00134583124162202242282322362401441481481521561561601641681721721761761
Sydney41818384122161201241281321361362402442482482482522522522562602642682722
Brisbane Lions0601501641389126129165204244247248249289327328365404444484524525564603643
Hawthorn08468485126163203243263263266304343343345383423423463503543583583604644
Geelong0949414810811128166169206245283323324324363364364367369409449487527566605
Adelaide04548412413811121012131611208248247248288326365366405445485485524565567606
Melbourne04741188127129168204207247285286286325364366367406446486486526566605607
Western Bulldogs4583122122161164167161016122092010249287326328367368368407447487488489509548
Collingwood44484987810813121116818818101811221022112211221326113010349388428468469508528529
Carlton01041141541641541641641641641681612151614201320142414281232103212321236114010441046105010
St Kilda070144104144148148131212169161120920112012201224102412241328123210321036103611361140114011
Greater Western Sydney43410413415416812814121412141613161320122410241024112413241428133211321132123612361240124012
Gold Coast4282121121123125164167205246284285285287289289281128142814281428142814321432143613
North Melbourne04446861251271651661610161216122013201320142412281032932113213321332133213361336133614
Port Adelaide00164741188810812121112131214121412141216161516151615201524152415241524152415241524152415
West Coast001841289812815815815815815121512161615161616161616161616161616161616161616161616161616
Richmond00120170180180180180184184184188178178178178178178178178188181217121712171217
Essendon0017018017017417417417417417417418418418418418418418418817817818818818818
Close

Source: AFL Tables

Home matches and membership

The following table includes all home match attendance figures from the home-and-away season, excluding neutral matches (Gather Round).

More information Team, Home match attendance ...
Team Home match attendance Membership
Hosted Total Highest Lowest Average 2025[99] 2026 Change
2025[100] 2026[101] Change
Adelaide11512,06953,04540,165 45,120 46,552Increase 1,432 81,067
Brisbane Lions11346,01734,64829,221 30,598 31,456Increase 858 75,115
Carlton11583,62278,05826,945 49,182 53,057Increase 3,875 100,743
Collingwood11720,86890,02840,860 68,873 65,533Decrease 3,340 112,491
Essendon11461,00892,23114,601 40,034 41,910Increase 1,876 85,568
Fremantle11568,84756,61635,245 45,758 51,713Increase 5,955 66,179
Geelong11377,16583,16620,403 35,439 34,288Decrease 1,151 92,379
Gold Coast11179,94921,13910,672 15,679 16,359Increase 680 30,107
Greater Western Sydney11128,39920,1415,814 12,026 11,673Decrease 353 37,705
Hawthorn11418,58884,7128,263 41,484 38,053Decrease 3,431 87,204
Melbourne11410,89368,5576,374 36,805 37,354Increase 549 58,563
North Melbourne11329,10845,91913,331 25,266 29,919Increase 4,653 56,283
Port Adelaide11387,89150,08728,417 35,556 35,263Decrease 293 72,656
Richmond11458,88478,81510,200 44,398 41,717Decrease 2,681 92,531
St Kilda11368,54982,52814,429 31,644 33,504Increase 1,860 65,509
Sydney11422,65443,98630,058 34,277 38,423Increase 4,146 76,674
West Coast11493,27654,23236,781 42,576 44,843Increase 2,267 107,079
Western Bulldogs11335,81844,10622,761 36,764 30,529Decrease 6,235 65,584
Total/overall1987,503,08192,2315,81437,30637,894Increase 5881,363,437
Close

Source: AFL Tables

Finals series

Wildcard finalsQualifying and elimination finalsSemi-finalsPreliminary finalsGrand final
3 September, Optus Stadium
1Fremantle5.10 (40)
4Hawthorn10.12 (72)11 September, Optus Stadium
Fremantle18.12 (120)
29 August, Melbourne Cricket Ground4 September, Melbourne Cricket GroundGeelong16.10 (106)19 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
7Melbourne7.13 (55)5Geelong14.23 (107)Hawthorn19.8 (122)
10Carlton10.14 (74)Carlton11.8 (74)Brisbane Lions20.11 (131)26 September, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Fremantle
28 August, Melbourne Cricket Ground5 September, Adelaide Oval18 September, Sydney Cricket GroundBrisbane Lions
8Western Bulldogs14.12 (96)6Adelaide14.6 (90)Sydney10.11 (71)
9Collingwood14.9 (93)Western Bulldogs9.14 (68)12 September, the GabbaFremantle12.11 (83)
Brisbane Lions21.18 (144)
5 September, Sydney Cricket GroundAdelaide13.13 (91)
2Sydney21.15 (141)
3Brisbane Lions13.10 (88)

All starting times are local time. Source: afl.com.au

Finals week 1

More information Second wildcard final ...
Second wildcard final
Friday, 28 August (7:40 pm) Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) def. Collingwood 14.9 (93) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 81,036)
4.1 (25)
7.6 (48)
10.8 (68)
14.12 (96)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 4.0 (24)
6.2 (38)
8.8 (56)
14.9 (93)
Jones 4, Naughton 4, Weightman 2, Bontempelli, Davidson, M. Kennedy, Richards Goals McStay 4, Anderson 2, N. Daicos 2, Cameron, Crisp, De Goey, Long, Membrey, C. West
Bontempelli, Jones, Naughton, M. Kennedy, Dale, Freijah Best N. Daicos, McStay, McCreery, Swadling, Lipinski, J. Daicos
  • Tim Membrey (Collingwood) had a shot at goal after the final siren to win the wildcard final against the Western Bulldogs, but kicked a behind.[102]
Close
More information First wildcard final ...
First wildcard final
Saturday, 29 August (7:35 pm) Melbourne 7.13 (55) def. by Carlton 10.14 (74) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 91,733)
4.3 (27)
5.6 (36)
7.10 (52)
7.13 (55)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 1.3 (9)
5.5 (35)
8.8 (56)
10.14 (74)
Fritsch, Gawn, Langford, Laurie, McDonald, Petty, Sharp Goals Ainsworth 3, McKay 2, Smith 2, Cripps, O. Hollands, Kemp
Gawn, Langford, Chandler, Sparrow Best Smith, Walsh, O. Hollands, Ainsworth, Evans, Cripps
Close

Finals week 2

More information First qualifying final ...
First qualifying final
Thursday, 3 September (6:10 pm) Fremantle 5.10 (40) def. by Hawthorn 10.12 (72) Optus Stadium (crowd: 59,466)
1.3 (9)
1.4 (10)
4.7 (31)
5.10 (40)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 4.4 (28)
6.7 (43)
9.10 (64)
10.12 (72)
Amiss, Brayshaw, Jackson, Switkowski, Treacy Goals Gunston 2, Moore 2, Watson 2, Chol, Ginnivan, Lewis, Morrison
Clark, Brayshaw, Erasmus, Worner Best Sicily, Day, Battle, Watson, D'Ambrosio, Newcombe
Close
More information First elimination final ...
First elimination final
Friday, 4 September (7:40 pm) Geelong 14.23 (107) def. Carlton 11.8 (74) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 96,680)
1.5 (11)
4.10 (34)
10.13 (73)
14.23 (107)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 4.3 (27)
5.7 (37)
7.8 (50)
11.8 (74)
Dangerfield 5, Miers 2, Neale 2, Close, O. Henry, Holmes, Mannagh, Polkinghorne Goals Evans 2, Kemp 2, Lord 2, Ainsworth, Cottrell, Cripps, O. Hollands, McKay
Mannagh, Dangerfield, B. Smith, Wiltshire, Stewart, J. Henry Best J. Smith, Walsh, Cripps, Wilson, Pittonet, Cowan
  • The crowd of 96,680 for the Geelong v Carlton elimination final was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs since 1962.[103]
Close
More information Second qualifying final ...
Second qualifying final
Saturday, 5 September (3:15 pm) Sydney 21.15 (141) def. Brisbane Lions 13.10 (88) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 37,261)
6.6 (42)
10.8 (68)
16.13 (109)
21.15 (141)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 2.4 (16)
5.8 (38)
9.9 (63)
13.10 (88)
McDonald 6, Curnow 5, Papley 5, McLean 3, Gulden, Roberts Goals Allen 4, Hipwood 2, Morris 2, L. Ashcroft, Berry, Draper, Dunkley, McKenna
Gulden, McDonald, Papley, Curnow, Cunningham, Rowbottom Best Dunkley, Allen, Hipwood, Wilmot
  • Sydney's final score of 21.15 (141) against the Brisbane Lions was its highest in a final.[104]
Close
More information Second elimination final ...
Second elimination final
Saturday, 5 September (7:05 pm) Adelaide 14.6 (90) def. Western Bulldogs 9.14 (68) Adelaide Oval (crowd: 51,370)
3.1 (19)
7.2 (44)
9.5 (59)
14.6 (90)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 1.7 (13)
5.8 (38)
5.10 (40)
9.14 (68)
Rachele 3, Cook 2, Fogarty 2, Keays 2, Rankine 2, Ah Chee, Thilthorpe, Walker Goals A. Jones 2, Lewis 2, Richards 2, Freijah, Naughton, Sanders
Worrell, Milera, Rankine, Rachele, Dawson, Fogarty, Cook Best Richards, Freijah, Bontempelli, Williams, Hynes
Close

Finals week 3

More information First semi-final ...
First semi-final
Friday, 11 September (6:10 pm) Fremantle 18.12 (120) def. Geelong 16.10 (106) Optus Stadium (crowd: 59,725)
6.2 (38)
10.5 (65)
15.6 (96)
18.12 (120)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 2.1 (13)
7.2 (44)
12.8 (80)
16.10 (106)
Voss 4, Amiss 2, Bolton 2, Dudley 2, Frederick 2, Jackson 2, M. Cox, Serong, Treacy, Young Goals O. Henry 5, Neale 3, Cameron 2, Dangerfield 2, Mannagh 2, Stewart, Wiltshire
Jackson, Bolton, Young, Treacy, Reid, Brayshaw, Serong Best O. Henry, Smith, Humphries, Neale, Dangerfield, Mannagh
Close
More information Second semi-final ...
Second semi-final
Saturday, 12 September (7:35 pm) Brisbane Lions 21.18 (144) def. Adelaide 13.13 (91) The Gabba (crowd: 36,026)
6.6 (42)
10.12 (72)
16.15 (111)
21.18 (144)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 2.3 (15)
5.4 (34)
7.9 (51)
13.13 (91)
Cameron 5, Bailey 3, Hipwood 2, Lohmann 2, McCluggage 2, Morris 2, Rayner 2, L. Ashcroft, McKenna, Zorko Goals Fogarty 2, Keays 2, Thilthorpe 2, Walker 2, Curtin, Nankervis, Milera, Neal-Bullen, Rachele
W. Ashcroft, Bailey, Zorko, Dunkley, Rayner, Cameron Best Dawson, Berry, Curtin, Hall-Kahan, Taylor
Close

Finals week 4

More information Second preliminary final ...
Second preliminary final
Friday, 18 September (7:40 pm) Sydney 10.11 (71) def. by Fremantle 12.11 (83) Sydney Cricket Ground (crowd: 45,129)
4.5 (29)
7.6 (48)
10.10 (70)
10.11 (71)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 2.1 (13)
4.5 (29)
7.7 (49)
12.11 (83)
L. McDonald 3, Campbell, Cleary, Curnow, Hanily, McInerney, Papley, Sheldrick Goals Bolton 2, Dudley 2, Jackson 2, Amiss, M. Cox, Erasmus, Frederick, Voss, Young
L. McDonald, Gulden, J. Serong, Grundy, Rowbottom Best Young, Jackson, Brayshaw, Bolton, Dudley, C. Serong
  • Fremantle trailed by 21 points at three-quarter time of the preliminary final against Sydney and went on to win, recording its biggest comeback from a three-quarter time deficit.[105]
Close
More information First preliminary final ...
First preliminary final
Saturday, 19 September (5:15 pm) Hawthorn 19.8 (122) def. by Brisbane Lions 20.11 (131) Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 97,835)
5.1 (31)
11.1 (67)
12.5 (77)
19.8 (122)
 Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
 5.2 (32)
8.5 (53)
15.7 (97)
20.11 (131)
Watson 6, Gunston 5, Lewis 4, Chol, Moore, Sicily, Weddle Goals Lohmann 5, Cameron 3, Hipwood 3, McCluggage 3, Morris 2, L. Ashcroft, W. Ashcroft, Berry, McKenna
Watson, Ward, D'Ambrosio, Gunston, Sicily, Barrass Best W. Ashcroft, Lohmann, Neale, Dunkley, Andrews, McCluggage
  • The crowd of 97,835 for the Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions preliminary final was the largest crowd for a match between the two clubs.[106]
  • Hawthorn's final score of 19.8 (122) against the Brisbane Lions was the highest losing score in a preliminary final.[107]
Close

Grand final

Main article: 2026 AFL Grand Final
More information Grand final ...
Grand final
Saturday, 26 September (2:30 pm) Fremantle v Brisbane Lions Melbourne Cricket Ground




Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4



Norm Smith Medal:
Field umpires: Nick Foot, Brendan Hosking, Hayden Meyer, Brett Rosebury[108]
National anthem: Michael Paynter[109]
Close

Win–loss table

Updated to the end of finals week 4.

The following table can be sorted from biggest winning margin to biggest losing margin for each round. If multiple matches in a round are decided by the same margin, these margins are sorted by percentage (i.e. the lowest-scoring winning team is ranked highest and the lowest-scoring losing team is ranked lowest).[d] Home matches are in bold, neutral matches (Gather Round) are underlined and opponents are listed above the margins.

+WinQualified for finals
−LossEliminated
Draw
X
 Bye
More information Team, Home-and-away season ...
TeamHome-and-away seasonLadderFinals series
O123456789101112131415161718192021222324F1F2F3F4GF
AdelaideXCOL
+14		WB
–6		GEE
–8		FRE
–2		CAR
+28		STK
+1		BL
–52		PA
+1		RIC
+37		NM
+68		HAW
–9		XGEE
+1		WB
+57		MEL
+17		PA
–26		WC
+25		GC
+79		SYD
+16		COL
–34		ESS
+72		RIC
+9		FRE
–24		GWS
+56		6
(15–8–0)		XWB
+22		BL
–53
Brisbane LionsWB
–5		SYD
–44		XSTK
+33		COL
+54		NM
+26		MEL
–2		ADE
+52		ESS
+64		CAR
+11		GEE
–41		GWS
–78		FRE
–25		GC
+31		RIC
+35		XSYD
+43		GEE
+23		ESS
+90		WC
+24		PA
+59		CAR
–76		HAW
+67		GC
+42		COL
+63		3
(16–7–0)		XSYD
–53		ADE
+53		HAW
+9		FRE
CarltonSYD
–63		RIC
+4		XMEL
–23		NM
–10		ADE
–28		COL
–5		FRE
–14		STK
–39		BL
–11		WB
+12		PA
+34		GEE
+4		ESS
+5		XGWS
+23		WC
+53		RIC
+2		HAW
–64		COL
–21		GC
+13		BL
+76		STK
+44		WB
0		FRE
+37		10
(12–10–1)		MEL
+19		GEE
–33
CollingwoodSTK
+12		ADE
–14		XGWS
+33		BL
–54		FRE
–6		CAR
+5		ESS
+77		HAW
0		GEE
–54		SYD
–6		WC
+10		WB
–4		MEL
–8		XPA
+26		RIC
+34		GC
+6		NM
+4		CAR
+21		ADE
+34		GEE
–25		WC
+19		HAW
0		BL
–63		9
(12–9–2)		WB
–3
EssendonXHAW
–62		PA
–63		NM
–12		WB
–34		MEL
+45		GC
–9		COL
–77		BL
–64		GWS
–14		FRE
–43		RIC
–18		WC
–30		CAR
–5		MEL
–45		XNM
–14		STK
–67		BL
–90		GWS
+3		HAW
–93		ADE
–72		GEE
–67		SYD
–36		PA
–10		18
(2–21–0)
FremantleXGEE
–10		MEL
+48		RIC
+60		ADE
+2		COL
+6		WC
+56		CAR
+14		WB
+12		HAW
+15		ESS
+43		STK
+30		BL
+25		NM
+124		XGEE
+9		GC
+51		GWS
–21		SYD
+38		PA
+28		WC
+70		WB
+37		MEL
–4		ADE
+24		CAR
–37		1
(19–4–0)		XHAW
–32		GEE
+14		SYD
+12		BL
GeelongGC
–56		FRE
+10		XADE
+8		HAW
–1		WC
+46		WB
+75		PA
–30		NM
+49		COL
+54		BL
+41		SYD
+27		CAR
–4		ADE
–1		GC
+45		FRE
–9		XBL
–23		GWS
–13		STK
+27		MEL
+20		COL
+25		ESS
+67		NM
+15		RIC
+57		5
(15–8–0)		XCAR
+33		FRE
–14
Gold CoastGEE
+56		WC
+59		RIC
+68		XMEL
–20		SYD
–32		ESS
+9		HAW
–49		GWS
+20		STK
+29		PA
+25		NM
–6		XBL
–31		GEE
–45		HAW
–16		FRE
–51		COL
–6		ADE
–79		WB
–9		CAR
–13		MEL
–9		GWS
+2		BL
–42		STK
+23		13
(9–14–0)
Greater Western SydneyHAW
+27		WB
–81		STK
–4		COL
–33		XRIC
+56		SYD
–41		NM
+7		GC
–20		ESS
+14		WC
–17		BL
+78		MEL
+49		XSTK
–8		CAR
–23		HAW
–14		FRE
+21		GEE
+13		ESS
–3		SYD
–51		PA
+12		GC
–2		WC
+54		ADE
–56		12
(10–13–0)
HawthornGWS
–27		ESS
+62		SYD
+17		XGEE
+1		WB
+40		PA
+3		GC
+49		COL
0		FRE
–15		MEL
–39		ADE
+9		STK
+52		WB
–6		XGC
+16		GWS
+14		MEL
–35		CAR
+64		RIC
+70		ESS
+93		NM
+16		BL
–67		COL
0		WC
+62		4
(15–6–2)		XFRE
+32		XBL
–9
MelbourneXSTK
+13		FRE
–48		CAR
+23		GC
+20		ESS
–45		BL
+2		RIC
+54		SYD
–17		WC
+32		HAW
+39		WB
–3		GWS
–49		COL
+8		ESS
+45		ADE
–17		XHAW
+35		RIC
+46		NM
+16		GEE
–20		GC
+9		FRE
+4		PA
+76		WB
–21		7
(15–8–0)		CAR
–19
North MelbourneXPA
+46		WC
–17		ESS
+12		CAR
+10		BL
–26		RIC
+75		GWS
–7		GEE
–49		SYD
–8		ADE
–68		GC
+6		XFRE
–124		WC
+1		RIC
+25		ESS
+14		PA
–21		COL
–4		MEL
–16		STK
–31		HAW
–16		WB
+23		GEE
–15		SYD
–53		14
(9–14–0)
Port AdelaideXNM
–46		ESS
+63		WC
–2		RIC
+42		STK
–14		HAW
–3		GEE
+30		ADE
–1		WB
–2		GC
–25		CAR
–34		XWC
+6		SYD
–3		COL
–26		ADE
+26		NM
+21		STK
–14		FRE
–28		BL
–59		GWS
–12		SYD
–97		MEL
–76		ESS
+10		15
(7–16–0)
RichmondXCAR
–4		GC
–68		FRE
–60		PA
–42		GWS
–56		NM
–75		MEL
–54		WC
+11		ADE
–37		STK
–36		ESS
+18		SYD
–114		XBL
–35		NM
–25		COL
–34		CAR
–2		MEL
–46		HAW
–70		WB
–57		WC
+11		ADE
–9		STK
–49		GEE
–57		17
(3–20–0)
St KildaCOL
–12		MEL
–13		GWS
+4		BL
–33		XPA
+14		ADE
–1		WC
+101		CAR
+39		GC
–29		RIC
+36		FRE
–30		HAW
–52		SYD
–2		GWS
+8		WB
–22		XESS
+67		PA
+14		GEE
–27		NM
+31		SYD
–19		CAR
–44		RIC
+49		GC
–23		11
(10–13–0)
SydneyCAR
+63		BL
+44		HAW
–17		XWC
+128		GC
+32		GWS
+53		WB
+66		MEL
+17		NM
+8		COL
+6		GEE
–27		RIC
+114		STK
+2		PA
+3		XBL
–43		WB
+35		FRE
–38		ADE
–16		GWS
+51		STK
+19		PA
+97		ESS
+36		NM
+53		2
(18–5–0)		XBL
+53		XFRE
–12
West CoastXGC
–59		NM
+17		PA
+2		SYD
–128		GEE
–46		FRE
–56		STK
–101		RIC
–11		MEL
–32		GWS
+17		COL
–10		ESS
+30		PA
–6		NM
–1		XCAR
–53		ADE
–25		WB
–16		BL
–24		FRE
–70		RIC
–11		COL
–19		GWS
–54		HAW
–62		16
(4–19–0)
Western BulldogsBL
+5		GWS
+81		ADE
+6		XESS
+34		HAW
–40		GEE
–75		SYD
–66		FRE
–12		PA
+2		CAR
–12		MEL
+3		COL
+4		HAW
+6		ADE
–57		STK
+22		XSYD
–35		WC
+16		GC
+9		RIC
+57		FRE
–37		NM
–23		CAR
0		MEL
+21		8
(13–9–1)		COL
+3		ADE
–22
Close

Source: AFL Tables

Season notes

  • In round 13, the AFL recorded a combined attendance of 390,752, the highest for an eight-match home-and-away round in VFL/AFL history; the round also saw a total television viewership of over 7.2 million, the highest viewership for a home-and-away round in VFL/AFL history despite only eight matches being played.[75]
  • Fremantle won 14 consecutive matches during the season,[110] breaking West Coast's record of 12 in 1991 for the longest winning streak of the Western Australia-based AFL clubs.[111]
  • Fremantle recorded crowds of over 50,000 in nine consecutive home matches during the home-and-away season, a VFL/AFL record.[112]
  • Collingwood and Hawthorn drew both of their home-and-away match-ups, becoming the first clubs in VFL/AFL history to do so in the same season;[113] both matches ended with shots at goal at or after the final siren by Dylan Moore (Hawthorn) and produced almost identical scorelines: 93–93 in round 8 and 92–92 in round 23.[95]
  • Essendon won two matches during the home-and-away season, the equal-fewest in the club's history.[e]
  • New records for combined (7,772,015) and average attendance (37,545) were set during the home-and-away season, along with new records for combined crowds in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.[115]

Notable events

Further information: 2026 Sydney Swans player investigation

Milestones

More information Round, Player/official ...
Round Player/official Club Milestone
OR Isaac Heeney Sydney300th AFL goal
Jesse Hogan Greater Western Sydney400th AFL goal
Rory Lobb Western Bulldogs200th AFL game
1 Blake Hardwick Hawthorn200th AFL game
Daniel McStay Collingwood200th AFL game
Darcy Fogarty Adelaide200th AFL goal
Christian Salem Melbourne200th AFL game
3 Jake Stringer Greater Western Sydney400th AFL goal
Max Gawn Melbourne250th AFL game
Tom McDonald Melbourne250th AFL game
4 Tom Papley Sydney200th AFL game
Aaron Naughton Western Bulldogs300th AFL goal
5 Jake Melksham Melbourne250th AFL game
6 Mark Blicavs Geelong300th AFL game
Jake Kolodjashnij Geelong200th AFL game
Karl Amon Hawthorn200th AFL game
Josh Dunkley Brisbane Lions200th AFL game
Lachie Neale Brisbane Lions300th AFL game
Shai Bolton Fremantle200th AFL goal
7 Bayley Fritsch Melbourne300th AFL goal
8 Nick Larkey North Melbourne300th AFL goal
Brodie Grundy Sydney250th AFL game
9 Tom Stewart Geelong200th AFL game
Daniel McStay Collingwood200th AFL goal
10 Zac Bailey Brisbane Lions200th AFL goal
11 Jayden Short Richmond200th AFL game
Dan Houston Collingwood200th AFL game
13 Jacob Mollison —400th AFL game umpired[117]
14 Harris Andrews Brisbane Lions250th AFL game
Eric Hipwood Brisbane Lions200th AFL game
15 Jake Lever Melbourne200th AFL game
16 Mitch Georgiades Port Adelaide200th AFL goal
17 Ben King Gold Coast300th AFL goal
Ollie Florent Carlton200th AFL game
18 Will Hayward Carlton200th AFL game
19 Dion Prestia Richmond250th AFL game
Tom Lynch Richmond500th AFL goal
20 Jordan De Goey Collingwood200th AFL game
Taylor Walker Adelaide700th AFL goal
Jack Gunston Hawthorn600th AFL goal
21 Patrick Cripps Carlton250th AFL game
Nick Haynes Carlton250th AFL game
22 Ryan Lester Brisbane Lions250th AFL game
Jarrod Berry Brisbane Lions200th AFL game
Harry McKay Carlton300th AFL goal
23 Luke Ryan Fremantle200th AFL game
Tom Lynch Richmond250th AFL game
James Sicily Hawthorn200th AFL game
Aliir Aliir Port Adelaide200th AFL game
24 Bradley Hill St Kilda300th AFL game
Eric Hipwood Brisbane Lions300th AFL goal
Jake Stringer Greater Western Sydney250th AFL game
Andrew McGrath Essendon200th AFL game
Jack Gunston Hawthorn300th AFL game
Close

Source: AFL Tables (players); other milestones sourced individually

Coach departures

More information Outgoing coach, Club ...
Outgoing coachClubManner of departureDate of departureCaretaker coachIncoming coachDate of appointment
Michael Voss CarltonResigned12 May 2026[118]Josh Fraser[119]Josh Fraser18 August 2026[120]
Brad Scott EssendonDismissed with a year and a half remaining on contract26 May 2026[121]Dean Solomon[122]Mark McVeigh24 August 2026[123]
Alastair Clarkson North MelbourneDismissed with a year remaining on contract2 September 2026[124]—
Close

Awards

Major awards

Leading goalkickers

Updated to end of finals week 4.

1Led the goalkicking at the end of the round
1Led the goalkicking at the end of the home-and-away season
11Subscript indicates the player's goal tally to that point of the season
–Did not play during that round
XHad a bye during that round
More information #, Player ...
# Player Club Home-and-away season (Coleman Medal) Finals series Total Games Average
O123456789101112131415161718192021222324F1F2F3F4GF
1 Charlie CurnowSydney330325X54909312719120–21121223831233336X36339645550050454357562466369X69574X7417575243.13
2 Logan MorrisBrisbane Lions33–3X3253808311213417421223124125732335X35338341243144347047451455863X6326526726969252.76
3 Jack GunstonHawthorn4459413X13316319–19524024630–30–30535–35X35–35–35136339140747249352254559X59261X6156666193.47
4 Nick WatsonHawthorn224617X7310111516218220323326228230333X33336339–39–39544347552052052355X55257X5766363232.74
5 Jye AmissFremantleX01101234729514317017320222426430232X32335136137239443548048553558–58X5815926116262252.48
6 Ben KingGold Coast4459716X16319221324226228432133134X3443834114214334614714835125325525736060232.61
7 Charlie CameronBrisbane Lions4426X6280819312416218220323225227229130X30232234236238341243346248250X5005055535858262.23
8 Josh TreacyFremantleX02246410212012113316319221223225328432X32234034337441344145348250151354X5415515605656262.15
9 Kai LohmannBrisbane Lions2213X32549110111112416218018321021021122X22224529332436339241546046046X4604624855353262.04
10 Shannon NealeGeelong1156X606410212113215318220222022022123225227X27330030131536238341243447X4724935252252.08
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Source: AFL Tables

Club best and fairest

More information Player(s), Club ...
Player(s)ClubAwardRef.
AdelaideMalcolm Blight Medal
Brisbane LionsMerrett–Murray Medal
CarltonJohn Nicholls Medal
CollingwoodCopeland Trophy
EssendonCrichton Medal
FremantleDoig Medal
GeelongCarji Greeves Medal
Bodhi Uwland Gold CoastClub Champion[129]
Lachie Ash Greater Western SydneyKevin Sheedy Medal[130]
HawthornPeter Crimmins Medal
MelbourneKeith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy
North MelbourneSyd Barker Medal
Jason Horne-Francis Port AdelaideJohn Cahill Medal[131]
RichmondJack Dyer Medal
St KildaTrevor Barker Award
SydneyBob Skilton Medal
Harley Reid West CoastJohn Worsfold Medal[132]
Western BulldogsCharles Sutton Medal
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See also

Notes

  1. [a]
    Consistent with the rule used in the AFL Women's (AFLW) and South Australian National Football League (SANFL)
  2. [b]
    Consistent with the rule used in the AFLW
  3. [c]
    Announcement of succession plan
  4. [d]
    In the case of round 13, in which two matches produced the same final scores, the winners of those matches are sorted alphabetically; in the case of round 23, which produced two draws (where the away team would be ranked higher), the away teams are sorted alphabetically.
  5. [e]
    Essendon also won two matches in the 1933 VFL season, albeit in a shorter home-and-away season.[114]

References

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