AFL Fixture: The clubs with the most primetime games in 2026

The AFL has launched the fixture for the 2026 season, and along with it, the time slots for the first 16 rounds.

So, which clubs have been rewarded with the most nationally televised fixtures?

A "primetime" game refers to the marquee fixtures occurring during the Thursday night and Friday night timeslots, and typically are standalone matches televised on both Channel 7 and Fox Footy broadcasts.

The 'Hollywood Hawks' lead the pack, with eight total primetime slots between Opening Round and Round 15, up from seven last year in the same span.

Top four sides from 2025, the Adelaide Crows and Geelong Cats, have also been rewarded with eight Thursday or Friday night headline acts, with the Cats winning the Friday night slot in Opening Round against Gold Coast.

Surprisingly, back-to-back premiers Brisbane will have just three Thursday and Friday night timeslots, ranking equal-10th league-wide. However, all of those fixtures will be at the Gabba, with the Lions playing Collingwood, Carlton and Geelong in Round 4, 9 and 10, respectively.

After facing severe backlash for their prominence on the free-to-air broadcasts, Essendon have had their share of primetime fixtures dramatically reduced, featuring in just two primetime games (Round 1 vs Hawthorn, Round 11 vs Richmond). Last year, the Bombers had eight primetime fixtures through Round 15.

The West Coast Eagles have failed to claim a single primetime fixture, being the only club not to be recognised in these time slots following a disastrous 2025 campaign.

Another noteworthy aspect of this year's draw is that, despite missing September action in 2025, the AFL have recognised the drawcard of Carlton and the Western Bulldogs, providing each fanbase with seven Thursday and Friday night games.

The MCG will host the most primetime fixtures with nine games to be played there on a Thursday or Friday night over the opening 15 rounds, while Marvel Stadium will be utilised for six.

Outside of Victoria, Adelaide Oval has won the most primetime slots with seven games , four hosted by the Crows, three by Port Adelaide.

AFL clubs with the most primetime fixtures

8 - Adelaide
8 - Geelong
8 - Hawthorn
7 - Carlton
7 - Western Bulldogs
6 - Collingwood
6 - Fremantle
5 - Sydney
4 - Gold Coast
3 - Brisbane
3 - Port Adelaide
3 - Richmond
2 - Essendon
2 - GWS
2 - St Kilda
1 - Melbourne
1- North Melbourne
0 - West Coast