AFL to stagger release of remaining 2026 fixtures

The AFL’s pursuit of more scheduling flexibility will see it release the next batch of fixtures in two stages.

The league is poised to release the details of the next block of games in mid-May following the conclusion of Round 9.

But while the AFL has in the past revealed rounds 16-23 with a floating final round, it’s understood as few as four rounds will be unveiled in a fortnight.

Keeping rounds 20-24 unconfirmed would allow the league’s fixture boffins to guard against primetime fizzers late in the season.

There is also doubt on whether the contentious Friday night double headers will continue after Round 11.

The AFL scheduled six double headers on a Friday night in the first 11 rounds in a bid to maximise attendances in non-Victorian markets and to grow the game given roughly 60 per cent of the fan base resides in Victoria.

A record Sydney derby crowd, fourth-highest Showdown attendance and fourth-highest Geelong crowd since the Selwood Stand opened would appear to vindicate that decision.

Critics argue these games deserve standalone status, but the TV ratings data consistently says games involving Victorian clubs out-perform them.

By locking in rounds 16-23 around this time last year, the primetime games in the back-end of the season were soured by the miserable campaigns endured by the likes of Carlton and Essendon.

But high-flying Sydney are expected to get first crack as the AFL’s primetime kings out of Round 16 after featuring in five Thursday and Friday night games prior to the reschedule.

The AFL will then reassess for the final handful of home-and-away rounds leading into finals.