THE Geelong Cats will face Carlton at IKON Park in the opening round of the 2026 AAMI Community Series.<\/p>\n
The pre-season clash is locked in for February 25, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.<\/p>\n
The series will see all 18 AFL clubs play at regional and suburban venues nationwide under a consistent format: four 20-minute quarters plus time on, squads of 30, no interchange caps and a full panel of AFL-appointed umpires.<\/p>\n
AFL head of strategy and scheduling, Josh Bowler, said the series offers supporters an early look at their sides ahead of this year’s AFL premiership season.<\/p>\n
“We are pleased to confirm the fixture for the 2026 AAMI Community Series as we build towards another exciting season,” he said.<\/p>\n
“The AAMI Community Series gives fans a great chance to see their teams and new players in action before the season begins.<\/p>\n
“We’re especially excited to host three of the nine games in Ballarat, giving local fans the chance to enjoy elite football in their backyard, while the redevelopment of Mars Stadium continues.”<\/p>\n
All matches will be broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo and ticketed for fans, with free general admission for competing club members, AFL members and children.<\/p>\n
Tickets go on sale in February, with further details to be released in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Geelong Cats will face Carlton at IKON Park in the opening round of the 2026 AAMI Community Series. The pre-season clash is locked in for February 25, with the first bounce at 7.10pm. The series will see all 18 AFL clubs play at regional and suburban venues nationwide under a consistent format: four 20-minute […]<\/p>\n