The 2026 AFL Fixture is here, and with it comes a number of clashes that are set to gain greater attention than most.

From the grand final rematch to a host of players coming up against their old clubs for the first time, the new season will be littered with enticing encounters across the course of the year.

Here are the 10 must-watch matches for the 2026 AFL season...

10Brisbane Lions vs Geelong Cats - Round 10

The grand final is always a matchup that doesn't disappoint. Geelong will be looking to get some early revenge after the Lions beat them by 47 points in the 2025 Grand Final.

Heading into 2026, Geelong's best 23 is relatively unchanged; the majority of players who featured in their grand final loss will line up again against the Lions in 2026.

The Lions and the Cats faced off four times during the 2025 season, including the first qualifying final and the grand final, with the Lions winning three of the four matchups.

Both of these sides will likely finish at the pointy end of the ladder; it should be a thrilling contest between two strong teams.

Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Hanger 2026 AFL Season Guide! Packed with 150+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 AFL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.

Next

JOIN THE DISCUSSION