The 10 unmissable games on the 2026 AFL fixture

The AFL fixture for 2026 has been released, with a myriad of contests that simply cannot be missed.From finals replays, returning recruits and rivalries old or new, the SEN.com.au team have collated a list of games that simply cannot be missed.See the best of the best of the 2026 AFL fixture below:Sydney v Carlton - Opening Round - Charlie Curnow versus the Blues to open the season... There won't be much love between these two, while Carlton fans will be disappointed not to host.Essendon v Hawthorn - Round 1 - Zach Merrett hosts the Hawks after failing to join the club over the off-season. Safe to say these clubs weren't each others' biggest fans before the trade period, and while the Bombers' faithful will (reluctantly) welcome Merrett back to The Hangar, neither side will be overly pleased with each other...Brisbane v Collingwood - Round 4 - Easter Thursday clash between two heavyweights. Preliminary Final rematch - must watch.Hawthorn v Geelong - Round 4 - Two of the competition's oldest rivals in a classic Easter Monday clash. A fixture that delivers year on year, and this season promises to be no different.Carlton v Collingwood - Round 6 - The best rivalry in the AFL at the MCG - never one to miss.Geelong v Western Bulldogs & Sydney v GWS - Round 6 - Disappointing that it's a double-up, but a great Friday night of football. Bailey Smith takes on his old mob, while the fiery Sydney Derby will play out further north.Adelaide v Port Adelaide – Round 8 – A Showdown on a Friday night is always a top fixture. Unfortunate to have been handed a double-up and the Crows should be significantly better than the Power this year, however the emotion in this game elevates the contest to one that cannot be missed.Carlton v St Kilda – Round 8 – The Blues' faithful might still hold out some love for Tom De Koning, but the same can't be said for Jack Silvagni. A Marvel Stadium sell-out in the making, the Carlton home crowd won't be short of boos in this one.Brisbane v Geelong - Round 10 + Round 17 – Prime time Grand Final rematches over two legs? Yes please.Collingwood v Melbourne – Round 13 - The best of the football community coming together for the Big Freeze is truly a sight to behold. Plus, if he can play in all contests prior to, Scott Pendlebury will break the all-time games record in this stellar King's Birthday clash.Carlton v Richmond - Round 1 - The classic opener off the back of the Blues' shock loss to the rebuilding Tiger cubs last year.Collingwood v Adelaide - Round 1 & Round 20 - Izak Rankine watches on in front of the Pies faithful at the 'G, before facing the side at Adelaide Oval late in the season.Melbourne v Gold Coast - Round 4 - Christian Petracca faces his old mob.Essendon v Collingwood - Round 7 - Anzac Day on a Saturday arvo. Not a standalone clash this year but always a top contest.Gold Coast v Western Bulldogs - Round 19 - Jamarra's v the Dogs - plus finals implications late in the season.West Coast v Brisbane – Round 19 - Oscar Allen faces the Optus crowd out West.Collingwood v Brisbane – Round 24 – A potential top 10 shaper to close out the home and away.CHECK OUT THE FULL FIXTURE HERE