Home blockbusters, family-friendly time slots, round one showdown at forefront of Dons’ fixture.
Essendon’s fixture for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season has been confirmed, and the Bomber faithful have plenty to be excited about.
The 2026 season will see Essendon feature in five home games at the MCG, including blockbuster clashes against Hawthorn, Collingwood, and Carlton, which are all expected to draw crowds of 80,000+ passionate fans.
The fixture also brings more Saturday and Sunday games than ever, delivering family-friendly time slots perfect for all fans. From lunchtime action at Marvel Stadium to afternoon footy at the MCG, there are plenty of opportunities for Bomber fans to cheer from the stands in 2026.
The season officially kicks off with a massive round one statement. It’s the Hawks under Friday night lights at the MCG, with the club aiming for a record Home & Away crowd between the two rivals to set the tone for the year ahead.
Round three will be Essendon’s first home game at Marvel Stadium for the season, where they will take on North Melbourne under Saturday night lights, and round five will see the team head to Adelaide for the fan favourite ‘Gather Round’, facing Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in a Saturday lunchtime clash.
Further fuelling the excitement, the cherished Anzac Day blockbuster will be a 2026 home game for Essendon – a primed Saturday afternoon clash at the MCG. The away game for Dreamtime at the ‘G retains its successful Friday nighttime slot, ensuring another captivating spectacle and serving as the pinnacle of Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
SEE THE FIXTURE BELOW
Round 13 continues the excitement as the Bombers take on Carlton at the MCG for Kings Birthday Eve, promising another massive home game and a packed Sunday evening at the MCG before the public holiday.
Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo is excited by the 2026 fixture and believes it provides a good balance of both blockbuster matches and importantly, greater fan accessibility.
“Our fixture gives Bomber fans plenty to get excited about, starting with that Friday night blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG to set the tone for a big year of footy,” Vozzo said.
“With five home games at the MCG, including blockbuster clashes against Hawthorn, Collingwood, and Carlton, these huge games promise packed crowds and an incredible atmosphere. Our fixture creates more opportunities for our fans to attend the footy in greater family friendly time lots, which is what we want – whether it be a Friday night game after work, or a trip into the city on Sunday afternoon, there are game times that provide every fan with the chance to attend live footy next season.
“I’m also excited about our interstate trips to Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth as they provide our interstate supporters the chance to watch the team live, which is what it’s all about. We have an incredible national fanbase of passionate and loyal Bomber fans, we want to perform in front of them and our fixture provides for this opportunity.
“The boys are already working incredibly hard out on the track and in the gym, we’re all building towards round one at the MCG. We can’t wait to see our Bomber members and fans pack out the MCG and hopefully break a crowd record between Hawthorn and Essendon.”
The times and dates for Rounds 16-24 will be confirmed at a later date.
Memberships
Fly Together in 2026 with game access memberships available now! A membership not only helps support Club goals, it is the best way to stay connected. With memberships starting from only $79, in 2026 we Fly Together. Visit the Essendon Membership website here and secure your seat. Have a question? Contact our friendly membership service team on (03) 8340 2000.
Ticketing information
Ticketing information for the 2026 Toyota AFL Season will be communicated in the near future.
Gather Round
Tickets are on-sale Wednesday December 3 for AFL and Club access members. Tickets will be available to the General Public the following day, Thursday 4 December.
