Why the 2026 AFL Pre‑Season Match Simulations Matter
After a blockbuster AFL Origin clash that kicked off the 2026 season, clubs are now turning their attention to the first round of match simulations. These games give fans a first glimpse of new faces, evolving tactics and the fitness status of key players before the home‑and‑away season truly begins.foxsports.com.au
Live streaming makes the sims truly “ad‑break free”
All 207 home‑and‑away matches, plus the pre‑season simulations, will be streamed live on Fox Footy via Foxtel and Kayo Sports, meaning fans can watch without commercial interruptions.foxsports.com.au The same platforms will also carry the AFL Origin game, broadcast on Channel 7 and Fox Sports.afl.com.au
Club‑by‑Club Preview: Who to Watch in the Simulations
Adelaide Crows – Ruck battle and midfield depth
Origin‑selected Callum Ah Chee (WA) will line up as a half‑forward, although a potential ruck reshuffle could see Lachlan McAndrew challenge veteran Reilly O’Brien. Midfielder Josh Rachele may also step up after Dan Curtin’s knee injury.foxsports.com.au
Brisbane Lions – New recruits and defensive health
Charlie Cameron (WA) and Hugh McCluggage (VIC) represent the Origin squad. Keep an eye on Keidean Coleman’s health and the impact of rookie Oscar Allen alongside emerging tall forwards Logan Morris and Ty Gallop.foxsports.com.au
Carlton – Rebuilding the midfield engine
Patrick Cripps (WA) and Jacob Weitering (VIC) headline the Origin squad. The breakout story could be Jagga Smith, returning from an ACL injury, and his partnership with Sam Walsh in the midfield. Fresh forward recruits Will Hayward and Ben Ainsworth also add intrigue.foxsports.com.au
Collingwood – Youth thrust into the spotlight
Darcy Cameron (WA) and Nick Daicos (VIC) are Origin representatives. With senior players like Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore uncertain, youngsters such as Charlie West and Jack Buller could earn early senior opportunities.foxsports.com.au
Essendon – Draftee debut chances
Zach Merrett (VIC) leads the Origin side. Pre‑season could see first‑round draftees Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp debut, while free‑agency recruit Brayden Fiorini may lock into the midfield rotation.foxsports.com.au
Fremantle – Ruck versatility and midfield upgrades
Four Origin players (Bolton, Clark, Jackson, O’Meara) highlight Western Australia’s talent pool. Luke Jackson’s possible shift to a pure midfield role and Mason Cox’s role as a ruck backup will be crucial storylines.foxsports.com.au
Geelong Cats – Ruck depth and new recruits
Patrick Dangerfield, Max Holmes and Bailey Smith (VIC) anchor the Origin squad. The ruck department still leans on veterans Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs, while youngsters like Mitch Edwards and Sam De Koning could see early game time.foxsports.com.au
Western Bulldogs – Defensive overhaul
Marcus Bontempelli, Sam Darcy and Tim English (VIC/WA) represent the Origin squad. The focus will be on whether Rory Lobb, James O’Donnell and other tall forwards can cement roles, while Sam Darcy’s development remains a key watch point.foxsports.com.au
Emerging Trends Shaping the 2026 Season
1. Match simulations as a scouting tool
Clubs are using the simulations to test new positional experiments – e.g., Adelaide’s possible ruck swap and Geelong’s bench‑flexible ruck strategy. This mirrors the league’s broader push to give fans “real‑time insight” into squad depth before the official start.tvblackbox.com.au
2. Origin players influencing club line‑ups
Each club’s Origin squad members are highlighted in the simulations, suggesting that state‑based pride continues to affect selection decisions, and marketability.afl.com.au
3. Integrated broadcast strategy
The 2026 fixture emphasizes collaboration between Seven’s free‑to‑air coverage and Foxtel/Kayo’s subscription platforms, ensuring fans can watch every game live, including the pre‑season simulations.tvblackbox.com.au
4. Injury management and squad depth
Repeated injury updates (e.g., Dan Curtin’s knee, Jeremy Cameron’s quad) illustrate clubs’ reliance on broader lists and rookie talent to cover key positions during the early weeks.foxsports.com.au
FAQ
- When do the pre‑season match simulations start?
- Monday, the first day of the AFL match simulations.
- Where can I watch the simulations live?
- On Fox Footy (channel 503‑505) and streamed ad‑break free via Kayo Sports.
- Which clubs have the most Origin players?
- Several clubs feature multiple Origin representatives, such as the Western Bulldogs (Bontempelli, Darcy Darcy, Tim English) and Geelong Cats (Dangerfield, Holmes, Smith).
- Will the simulations affect Round 1 selections?
- Yes – strong performances can push fringe players into the starting 22, while injuries may open spots for draftees.
Pro Tip: Maximise Your Viewing Experience
Set up a Kayo Sports trial (first month for $1) to watch every simulation and the opening round without ads. Start your trial now.
What’s Next?
As the preseason unfolds, keep an eye on:
- Emerging ruck combinations (e.g., Geelong’s dual‑ruck experiment).
- Youth breakthroughs – especially first‑round draftees at Essendon and Adelaide.
- How clubs adapt to injury lists announced during the simulations.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore our full 2026 fixture analysis or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on player form, match previews and insider insights.
