AFL’s TV darlings set for another year of prime time lights

Hawthorn’s status as one of the best teams to watch has been franked with another year in the prime time lights.

The Hawks are set to remain the AFL’s TV darling, with Sam Mitchell’s side to be given eight Thursday or Friday night games by the end of Round 15, up from seven last year.

Adelaide’s stunning season has seen the Crows rewarded with eight prime time slots by Round 15, while Geelong will also receive eight when the AFL releases its fixture later today.

But Essendon has been pulled off broadway after a dismal 2025, given only two Thursday or Friday night after receiving seven this time last year.

The league has kept the faith in Carlton, however, with Michael Voss’ coaching future under the spotlight early.

The Blues will feature in seven prime time games in the first 16 weeks, including that Opening Round grudge match with Charlie Curnow and the Swans at the SCG on Thursday, March 5.

Sam Darcy and the Western Bulldogs will also feature in seven.

Collingwood is never too far from the spotlight and will play in six, while Fremantle have been given a bump up, also handed half a dozen prime time games.

But three of those Dockers games are part of the AFL’s renewed foray into Friday night double headers.

There will be six overlapping Friday night double headers by Round 11.

Sydney (five) will also be prominent on Thursday and Friday nights early in the season.

Gold Coast’s rise under Damien Hardwick has been acknowledged by the AFL, with the Suns finally shown some prime-time love with four after receiving only one by Round 15 last year.

The AFL will release its 2026 fixture from midday today. The timeslots for games from round 16-23 will be announced later in the season, while the schedule for round 24 won't be finalised until much closer to the final round as the AFL seeks to fixture the biggest games in the most valuable timeslots.