The Dons will host the Tigers at the NEC Hangar on Friday 20 February at 10:30am (AEDT) for an unofficial practice match, followed by a VFL practice match between Essendon and Richmond.
This is will be the first match that the Bombers play against an opposition Club in 2026, which will be shortly followed by next week's match up against St Kilda in Ballarat, as part of the AAMI Community Series.
The Dons will then commence their 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season campaign in Round 1 against Hawthorn at the MCG on March 13.
Due to capacity limitations, if you plan to attend the practice match, please register your details here to help planning and ensure adequate amenities are available. No on-site parking is available, and street parking is limited, so please ensure that you plan ahead.
The Jack Jones Café and Bomber Shop will be open to all fans who attend.
For those who can’t make it, the match sim will be accessible via channel 505 on Foxtel and on Kayo.
Practice match details:
Date: Friday 20 February
Time: 10:30am (AEDT)
Venue: NEC Hangar
