The fixtures for the AFL’s 2026 Opening Round are reportedly close to being locked in, with star Sydney recruit Charlie Curnow expected to face his former club Carlton in his Swans debut.

The Swans are tipped to host the Blues at the SCG on Thursday, March 6 to open the new season, per 7 News, with two-time Coleman Medal winner Curnow to be unveiled in his new colours.

Former Swans pair Will Hayward and Ollie Florent would also be in line to face their old club after being traded to Carlton in the off-season.

Geelong are again planning to head to Queensland after their Opening Round clash this year with Brisbane was postponed, however this time the Cats will take on Gold Coast at Carrara. 

That clash could see Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan make their Suns debuts, while Geelong recruit James Worpel would also be in the mix.

The Lions, who will have their first home game after this year’s premiership, will take on the Western Bulldogs per the report, and would unveil their second successive flag.

GWS will host Hawthorn – the side they lost to in their elimination final – in Opening Round, with the Hawks also returning to the first round after clashing with Sydney earlier this year to start their 2025 campaign. 

In addition to the four northern state clubs hosting matches to commence the new season, St Kilda and Collingwood will add to the weekend’s events with a clash on the opening Sunday of the season. 

The 2026 Opening Round fixtures are here, via @cleary_mitch 👀

It’ll start on Thursday March 5 when Sydney host Carlton at the SCG…

And finish on the Sunday night when St Kilda host Collingwood at the MCG. pic.twitter.com/Vt8lfTgYHM

— 7AFL (@7AFL) November 7, 2025

Collingwood have been part of both previous Opening Round fixtures, taking on GWS on both occasions.

Next year, the Magpies will remain part of the early fixture, however are expected to do so against the Saints in a match that will fill the Sunday slot and open proceedings in Victoria.

That match would be held at the MCG, four days prior to a likely Richmond vs Carlton clash to commence Round 1.

Further details of the AFL fixture, including Gather Round and marquee matches, are expected to surface in the coming weeks.Â