56 minutes ago, titan_uranus said:

Our number of MCG games next year might be a record low.

We had 10 MCG home and away games in 2000 excluding finals which might be our record low.

It will be a minimum of 11 MCG games. 9 home and 2 away with Collingwood and Richmond.

11 would be our lowest since 2018. (We also played 11 in 2021 but the 12th game got moved to the SCG V Pies)

At what time is this fixture being released?

2 minutes ago, dees189227 said:

At what time is this fixture being released?

Sometime after midday according to an article I read earlier.

1 hour ago, titan_uranus said:

Meanwhile Sam Edmund reporting that Carlton have 7 Thursday or Friday night games in the first 16 weeks.

So for some, poor performance equals a poor fixture. But clearly not for others. Hell, this is more than Collingwood are getting!

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2025/11/12/afl-fixture-hawthorn-prime-time-games/

That’s insane if true. Thursday night footy was the most unequal footy in a season defined by inequality. If the AFL don’t put good games on Thursday they are mad.

However l honestly think that hating how bad Carlton are rates well. Their supporters can’t look away, and everyone else feels like they got a win, because they hate em.

I'm hearing rumours that we will be playing 11 games at Geelong this year, AFL just figures we play there enough, may as well make it our home ground!

Interesting that round 1 hasn't been revealed before the full fixture release. We usually have an idea of our first opponent.

I'm tipping Port, West Coast or St Kilda at the MCG for round 1.

3 minutes ago, Demonland said:

Would be very surprised if Anzac Eve isn't the only Friday/Thursday that we get.

Sunday 3:15pm footy here we go...

The 2026 AFL Fixture has been unveiled, with the Dees gearing up for a new era of Demon Spirit.

The season will kick off with a bang, as Melbourne returns to the ‘G to host St Kilda in Round 1 on Sunday 15 March. The match up poses several compelling story lines, with Steven King’s first match at the helm and potential encounters against their old club for new Dees Jack Steele and Max Heath among the many talking points.

VIEW FULL FIXTURE >>> 2026 AFL SEASON

Melbourne is set to play five of its first seven matches on the hallowed turf, boding well for an explosive start to the season. 

Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra reflected on the draw, noting the opportunities for the Demon faithful to enjoy the footy this coming AFL season. 

“A strong MCG presence, remains our top priority, so we’re thrilled to be able to start our season at our spiritual home,” Guerra said.

“Our supporters can look forward to a blockbuster schedule, featuring traditional Victorian rivals Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond and Geelong in home matches, plus MCG away matches against Richmond, Collingwood and Carlton. 

“With several home and away matches in family-friendly afternoon time slots, Demon families will also have plenty of chances to make footy memories together in 2026 and the opportunity to see Steven King’s game plan come to life as we kick of the season at the G’.

“It’s a terrific outcome for our members and supporters, and we can’t wait to see the red and blue faithful filling the stands once again for what promises to be an exciting 2026 AFL season.”

The fixture presents a win for members across the country, with the Dees locked in for a match in every state. The season will see three trips to Adelaide including a Gather Round clash against the Bombers, along with singular travels to Perth, Gold Coast, Sydney, Launceston, and the traditional Heart of the Nation match in Alice Springs.

Nine of the first 15 rounds will be broadcast on free-to-air TV, with the club’s bye round scheduled for Round 16. A Dees digital membership is the best way to catch the action live from your TV. 

Sir Doug Nicholls Round, where the club will once again take on the name Narrm, will be held across Round 10 and 11, against Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs.

Melbourne members and supporters can now mark their calendars in preparation for the first 15 matches of next year. Round 16 to 24 opponents have also been revealed, with fixture details to remain floating until later in the season.

2026 memberships are now on sale. Grab yours today and get ready for the dawn of a new era of Demon Spirit. 

MFC 2026 FULL FIXTURE

How many times do we have to play Carlton as the away team

No footy in Geelong ..... unless we make the finals and play them then they will probably finally grant the Cats a home final. 

At least the weekends won't be ruined early! (One only Thurssay or Friday prime time game)

12 Games at the MCG

3 Games at Marvel (Including home against the Eagles)

No GMHBA

Double ups are a disaster (4 top 8 sides Fremantle, Gold Coast, Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn, Essendon, Richmond)

Double up against Essendon for first time since 2005.

in first 15 games - 7 Sunday 3:15pms

2 Five Day Breaks

Bye at Round 16 (Yuck)

Interstate trips - 1 Optus, 3 AO, 1 Alice, 1 SCG, 1 PF, 1 UTAS

Edited 8 hours ago8 hr by FearTheBeard

About as good as we could of hoped for.

Not a bad thing being off broadway when trying to adapt a new game plan under a new coach.

Yes, no pies r24

For those like me who find it easier to read like the old fridge magnets used to be

To Round 15 we play:

8 x Sunday Games

5 x Saturday Games

1 x Friday (Anzac Eve)

1 x Monday (Kings Birthday)

8 x 3:15 pm Games

4 x 1:10/15 pm Games

2 x Night Games

5 x interstate including Home Alice Game and Gather Round

8 x MCG

2 x Marvel including Home Game against Eagles.

Yes, no pies r24 but horrible we get essendon twice

Those double ups aren’t easy for a rebuilding side!

Those double ups are a disgrace for a team that's finished bottom 6 two years in a row.