THE 2026 Toyota AFL season is less than two months away, meaning the countdown to Round 1 has officially started.
The team’s pre-season is ramping up with the season-opener now just 53 days away.
Melbourne’s AFL program has undergone many changes over the past six months, so there’s a lot to look forward to in 2026. Let’s get up to date on the key things to know heading into this exciting upcoming fixture.
New Demons
At the conclusion of last season, Melbourne’s AFL playing list welcomed an influx of new talent, with 10 new Demons ready to pull on the red and blue this year. Here’s a quick rundown on all the fresh faces who joined the club via trade and draft:
Xavier Taylor: A tall defender boasting speed, aerial ability and versatility.
Latrelle Pickett: A natural footballer with quick skills and an elite goal sense.
Riley Onley: A strong and athletic talent who adds height and speed to the midfield.
Kalani White: Son of club great Jeff White, the 201cm Demon can use his height and athleticism in the ruck and up forward.
Thomas Matthews: A small forward whose x-factor inside 50 sees him create excitement in the air and at ground level.
Oscar Berry: A cross-coder coming from college basketball, Berry is a developing defender with agility and athleticism.
Brody Mihocek: An experienced key forward whose reliability inside 50 will be integral for the Dees.
Jack Steele: A tough leader that will help shape Melbourne’s new look midfield.
Max Heath: A young ruck whose size and endurance is key to his talents as he develops under skipper Max Gawn.
Changkuoth Jiath: An explosive rebounding defender that will add a dynamic element to the backline.
Pre-Season Hit-outs
Match Simulation
Melbourne v North Melbourne
Date: Friday 20 February
Location: Casey Fields | Bunurong
Time: TBC
2026 AAMI Community Series Match
Melbourne v Richmond
Date: Friday 27 February
Location: Mars Stadium | Wadawurrung
Time: 4:10pm (AEDT)
2026 Season Opener
Round 1 v St Kilda
Melbourne will host its season-opener on Sunday 15 March, returning to the hallowed turf of the MCG.
This is a highly anticipated match for the Dees’ fanbase as it’ll be the first official game under new senior coach Steven King. This may also bring with it a fresh look 23, with debuts from any of the previously mentioned recruits a possibility.
In addition to this exciting premise, there’s no doubt a lot of emotion heading into this particular match-up. Dees fans will no doubt be looking for their team’s redemption after a heartbreaking Saints defeat at Marvel Stadium in 2025.
Key Games
ANZAC Day Eve | Round 7 v Richmond
Date: Friday 24 April
Time: 7:40pm
Location: MCG | Wurundjeri
Sir Doug Nicholls Round | Round 10 v Hawthorn
Date: Saturday 16 May
Time: 4:15pm
Location: MCG | Wurundjeri
Big Freeze | Round 13 v Collingwood
Date: Monday 8 June
Time: 3:15pm
Location: MCG | Wurundjeri
2026 Tickets and Memberships
While tickets for the 2026 AFL season are yet to be released, eager Dees fans can make sure they’re sorted for the year with a Melbourne membership. See options below:
Red & Blue Home: Enjoy the flexibility of an 11-game general admission membership and access to all Melbourne home games at the 'G and Marvel. More info.
3-game Flexi: Show your support for the Demons and receive access to three tickets for home games of your choice at the MCG. More info.
Digital Demon: The best way to stream all our games live, while supporting the club through membership. A subscription for 12 months of Kayo Standard or Premium. More info.
