THE AFL has confirmed the fixture for the 2026 AAMI Community Series, with Melbourne set to face Richmond at Mars Stadium on Friday 27 February.

All 18 clubs will participate in the pre-season competition, with matches to be played at regional and suburban venues across the country.

Ballarat fans are set for a full weekend of football, with Mars Stadium to host three of the nine matches: Melbourne vs. Richmond, St Kilda vs. Essendon, and North Melbourne vs. Collingwood.

It was announced last month that three pre-season matches would be played there as part of the ongoing collaboration between the AFL and Visit Victoria to ensure Ballarat remains a key venue for elite football during the redevelopment of Mars Stadium.

AFL Head of Strategy and Scheduling Josh Bowler said the 2026 AAMI Community Series provides an opportunity for fans to get an early look at their teams ahead of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

“We are pleased to confirm the fixture for the 2026 AAMI Community Series as we build towards another exciting season,” Bowler said.

“The AAMI Community Series gives fans a great chance to see their teams and new players in action before the season begins.

“We’re especially excited to host three of the nine games in Ballarat, giving local fans the chance to enjoy elite football in their backyard while the redevelopment of Mars Stadium continues.”

The AAMI Community Series matches will take on the following format:

• 4 quarters of 20 mins plus time on (as per AFL Premiership Season).
• Squad of 30 players; 18 on field, eight interchange and four emergencies. Minimum of four players on the Interchange Bench during the match at any time.
• No Interchange Cap.
• Full panel of umpires appointed by the AFL.

All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo and ticketed for fans to attend, with free general admission* for competing club and AFL members and kids.

Tickets for the AAMI Community Series will go on sale in February, with further information to be communicated in January.

Clubs will also have the opportunity to participate in a match simulation training session at a date determined by the clubs prior to the AAMI Community Series matches.

Confirmed match simulation training sessions will be communicated by clubs with all sessions to be managed by each club and broadcast arrangements to be confirmed at a later date.