Fixture 2026 AFL Fixture

[satty]

In case you missed it, only the top 6 qualify automatically for finals now.

I kinda factored that in to my prediction. I have us in the 5-8 bracket, whether that be via the direct 6 or the wild card qualifiers.

 

[jmac70]

I kinda factored that in to my prediction. I have us in the 5-8 bracket, whether that be via the direct 6 or the wild card qualifiers.

Any team going through the wildcard has no chance. Our aim is to win the flag next year, must be top six to do that.
I reckon we can do it.

 

[satty]

Any team going through the wildcard has no chance. Our aim is to win the flag next year, must be top six to do that.
I reckon we can do it.

Will really need to be in the back of fresh energy from our next wave.

 

[soreplums]

Would have been a great year to play our traditional rivals twice.
Carlton, Essendon, Melbourne and Richmond…

 

[PonsfordMagpie]

The scheduled Saturday night clash against the Bulldogs will be our first against them since 2004 (excluding the 2010 QF).

Since 2005, we’ve either played them on Friday night or Sunday in the H&A season.

 

[legendstatus]

Cats get to rest players with 5 /6 soft games towards the seasons end, while we get a hard draw and have to battle with best squad possible

Sounds about right?

 

[jmac70]

Cats get to rest players with 5 /6 soft games towards the seasons end, while we get a hard draw and have to battle with best squad possible

Sounds about right?

We get a prime time draw because we are the biggest pulling team in the AFL.

Cats get to play in Geelong at their boutique stadium.

 

[Mostfamousclub_Pies]

Pretty happy with the fixture. I think the second Essendon game after Anzac Day is always very anticlimactic, so not bothered about only playing them once. It’s also our only Saturday day game next season that we know of.

 

[Scodog10]

It’s a pretty reasonable fixture all things considered. I think my only gripe is 4 doubles ups against top 6 opposition because that shouldn’t be possible with the 6-6-6 fixturing as I understand it?

Yes the final month is challenging, but the first half of the season is cushy. Rd 1 against a team that didn’t play OR, Brisbane off a 5 day break, no 5 day breaks against a team with 6, no consecutive 6 day breaks, we travel once between gather Rd and July and it really opens up against non finalists in the middle of the year. Realistically despite the quality of opposition with lessons learned from 2025 that’s a draw that should have us competitive with the top 4 if we’re any good.

 

[JLC]

He’s trying to be funny, but it doesn’t hit given he loves the Pussies.

Using humour to play down the facts.

 

[WanderingDude]

Cats get to play in Geelong at their boutique stadium.

I always add the word backwater.

 

[Pistol Night]

I always add the word shithole.

EFA

 

[WanderingDude]

Directions to Geelong. Go through Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, and Cocoroc just keep following the pipe.

 

[Pistol Night]

Directions to Geelong. Go through Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, and Cocoroc just keep following the pipe.

The best thing about Geelong is the bypass around the dump

 

[Pragmatic Shill]

It’s a pretty reasonable fixture all things considered. I think my only gripe is 4 doubles ups against top 6 opposition because that shouldn’t be possible with the 6-6-6 fixturing as I understand it?

Yes the final month is challenging, but the first half of the season is cushy. Rd 1 against a team that didn’t play OR, Brisbane off a 5 day break, no 5 day breaks against a team with 6, no consecutive 6 day breaks, we travel once between gather Rd and July and it really opens up against non finalists in the middle of the year. Realistically despite the quality of opposition with lessons learned from 2025 that’s a draw that should have us competitive with the top 4 if we’re any good.

League makes big change to weighted rule ahead of fixture reveal - https://www.afl.com.au/news/1452102

 

[legendstatus]

We get a prime time draw because we are the biggest pulling team in the AFL.

Cats get to play in Geelong at their boutique stadium.

Cats got more prime time spots than us and it's who they play at their ground.

 

[sr36]

I am guessing they are hoping we boo Rankine early in the season and that sets the scene for the return match.

The opposite. They've scheduled us against Crows in round 1 - whilst Rankine is still suspended.

I think they're worried that it'll get ugly.

 

[sr36]

How do people feel about the fixture?

I only really look at the double ups - looks pretty tough.

 

[VinnieB]

AFL uses 'AI' to set 2026 fixture

 

[Chrispiesssss]

 

[jmac70]

Cats got more prime time spots than us and it's who they play at their ground.

How do you reckon that?

 

[jmac70]

The opposite. They've scheduled us against Crows in round 1 - whilst Rankine is still suspended.

I think they're worried that it'll get ugly.

I doubt they have given it any thought.

 

[FromTheBoundaryLine]

Don’t mind our draw. Always prefer a tough run into finals than the reverse.

 

[IlovethePies]

Main lack of equity in this fixture is that Brisbane gets the 8th hardest fixture in the competition.
How can this be justified?

AFL fixture report card: Which clubs cashed in… and who got dudded in 2026 draw

Pies boost that infuriates rivals strikes again; baffling truth facing fallen giant: Every fixture graded

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[jmac70]

Main lack of equity in this fixture is that Brisbane gets the 8th hardest fixture in the competition.
How can this be justified?

AFL fixture report card: Which clubs cashed in… and who got dudded in 2026 draw

Pies boost that infuriates rivals strikes again; baffling truth facing fallen giant: Every fixture graded

www.foxsports.com.au

Do you realise that the difficulty rating will change as the season progresses?