Ready to catch every second of the AFL live? Australian football is more than just a sport.
Ad
It’s a passion that unites millions, and we’ll show you exactly how to stay connected with every game, ensuring you don’t miss a single breathtaking moment.
👉 Our post does not broadcast live matches, we only present apps to watch the AFL on your mobile phone.
Apps to Watch Games Live
7plus
As the official free-to-air broadcaster, the Seven Network streams the games it broadcasts on its 7plus app.
This means you can watch several games each round for free, including major events like the Grand Final.
Streaming numbers on 7plus have seen a massive increase, proving its popularity for accessible AFL live action.
Foxtel GO
If you’re a Foxtel subscriber, the Foxtel GO app is your best friend.
It allows you to stream live content from your Foxtel package, including all the AFL action on Fox Footy, directly to your mobile device at no extra cost.
It’s perfect for watching the game when you’re away from your TV.
Kayo Sports
Kayo is a premium streaming service that broadcasts every game of the AFL Premiership season live.
It offers features like “SplitView” to watch multiple games at once, “Key Moments” to jump to the highlights, and a “No Spoilers” mode.
Viewership has surged on Kayo, making it a top choice for dedicated fans who want to watch AFL live.
AFL Live Official App
This is the ultimate companion for any AFL fan. The official app provides live scores, stats, highlights, and news. It also offers live radio commentary for a classic experience.
AFL YouTube Channel
While you can’t watch full live games here, the official AFL YouTube channel is a great resource for catching up.
It posts match highlights, player interviews, and special features shortly after the games conclude, making it perfect for reliving the best moments.
TV Channels to Watch the AFL
For those who prefer the traditional experience of watching on a big screen, television remains a primary source for AFL live broadcasts.
The league has a strong presence on both free-to-air and subscription channels, giving fans plenty of choices for catching live games.
| Channel | Type |
|---|---|
| Seven Network | Broadcast TV |
| 7Mate | Broadcast TV |
| Fox Footy | Pay TV |
| Foxtel Sports | Pay TV |
This blend of accessibility ensures that everyone has a chance to tune in, from casual viewers to die hard supporters.
How the Season Will Work
The 2026 season officially begins on March 5, bringing all the excitement of the fields back to passionate fans across the country.
The championship will conclude on September 26, the date of the historic Grand Final that captivates millions of viewers around the world.
During the regular season, each club plays 23 intense matches to accumulate vital points and climb the overall league standings.
The scoring system awards four points for a win and two points for a draw, rewarding consistency from teams that demonstrate strong collective tactical performance.
The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, where a single elimination format determines who will earn the honor of competing for the ultimate title of the season.
Calendar with Dates and Match Times of the AFL
To help organize your routine and ensure that no classic matchup goes unnoticed, we present below the table with the most important clashes of the opening of this exciting season.
| Date | Match | Local Time |
|---|---|---|
| March 5 | Sydney Swans vs Carlton | 7:30 PM AEDT |
| April 17 | Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants (Sydney Derby) | 7:40 PM AEST |
| April 19 | West Coast Eagles vs Fremantle | 4:10 PM AWST |
| April 25 | Collingwood vs Essendon (ANZAC Day) | 3:15 PM AEST |
| May 1 | Adelaide Crows vs Port Adelaide | 7:10 PM ACDT |
AFL on Social Media: Stay Updated
Connectivity on social media allows you to follow the AFL in real time, receiving updates that go far beyond what is shown.
Official Website (afl.com.au): You’ll find official news, match schedules, live ladders, player stats, and in depth articles.
X (@AFL): For real time updates, breaking news, and live tweeting during games.
Instagram (@afl): It includes high quality photos, video highlights, and behind the scenes player stories.
Facebook (AFL): The AFL’s Facebook page shares news, videos, and encourages fan discussions and debates.
TikTok (@afl): For short, fun video content featuring creative player challenges and amazing highlights.
Clubs That Most Frequently Compete in the League
The dominance of certain clubs over the decades has set records that fuel the most intense rivalries witnessed in stadiums everywhere. These are the clubs that have lifted the trophy the most:
Carlton — 16 Premierships
Collingwood — 16 Premierships
Essendon — 16 Premierships
Richmond — 13 Premierships
Melbourne — 13 Premierships
Hawthorn — 13 Premierships
Their historical dominance has created many of the classic rivalries we enjoy today.
Must Watch Matches Between Classic Rivals
Some games on the AFL calendar are more than just matches, they are epic encounters steeped in history and tradition.
These are the clashes that every fan who wants to watch AFL live circles in their calendar, known for their intense atmosphere and high stakes.
Matchups You Can’t Miss
April 16 — Carlton vs Collingwood: The classic of classics, where the two most successful teams face off in a battle for historical national title leadership.
April 19 — West Coast vs Fremantle: The Western Derby splits Western Australia in two, featuring a match defined by extreme physical intensity.
April 25 — Collingwood vs Essendon: The ANZAC Day Clash is a solemn tribute to veterans, drawing crowds of over 90,000 at the MCG stadium.
May 1 — Adelaide vs Port Adelaide: Known as the Showdown, this game in South Australia is famous for being decided in the final seconds with maximum excitement.
These matches are highly anticipated as they often break television viewership records and showcase star players performing at their peak.
Top Players Shining in the AFL Today
The AFL is home to some of the most talented athletes in the world, and each season new and established stars captivate us with their incredible skills.
As we look ahead, certain players are consistently performing at an elite level.
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs): A complete midfielder who excels in every aspect of the game.
Nick Daicos (Collingwood): His composure with the ball and elite decision making skills are well beyond his years.
Christian Petracca (Melbourne): A powerful midfielder forward who is almost impossible to stop when he’s at his best.
Charlie Curnow (Carlton): His goal kicking prowess has made him one of the most exciting players to watch.
Keep an eye on these stars, as they are sure to provide plenty of highlights and unforgettable moments throughout the season.
Where Will the Matches Take Place?
The AFL is a national competition, and its matches are played in iconic stadiums across Australia:
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne: The spiritual home of Australian football and the venue for the AFL Grand Final.
Marvel Stadium, Melbourne: A modern, multi purpose venue with a retractable roof, ensuring perfect conditions for every game.
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide: Widely regarded as one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world.
Optus Stadium, Perth: A state of the art stadium that hosts the home games for both West Coast Eagles and Fremantle.
The Gabba, Brisbane: The fortress for the Brisbane Lions, known for its vibrant and loud atmosphere.
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney: A historic venue that provides a unique and intimate setting for AFL matches.
Now you’re fully equipped with all the information you need to follow the AFL season.
From the best streaming apps and TV channels to understanding the season’s structure and the players to watch, you won’t miss a beat.
