Essendon is pleased to confirm the fixtures for three AFLW match simulation dates and an official practice game ahead of Season 11.
The Club’s schedule kicks off at home on Friday, July 10, taking on St Kilda at the NEC Hangar from 10:30am AEST in their first unofficial taste of footy against an external opponent this year.
A follow-up Friday fixture comes against Carlton at IKON Park the following week on July 17, with the group also returning to their spiritual home to take on Melbourne at Windy Hill on Friday, July 31.
The rulings, quarter timings and team selections for these unofficial simulations will be determined by the competing clubs in the build-up.
In the middle of the schedule, Essendon will face reigning premiers North Melbourne in its official practice match at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday, July 25.
The official hitout will allow for up to eight players on the interchange bench, giving more opportunities to an extended squad.
Essendon will further communicate with fans around attendance/viewing details for the fixtures in the coming weeks.
See below for the list of match simulation matches.
Essendon v St Kilda (Match Simulation Training)
Friday, July 10
10:30am AEST from the NEC Hangar
Carlton v Essendon (Match Simulation Training)
Friday, July 17
12:30pm AEST from IKON Park
North Melbourne v Essendon (Official Practice Match)
Saturday, July 25
10:30am AEST from Avalon Airport Oval
Essendon v Melbourne (Match Simulation Training)
Friday, July 31
10am AEST from Windy Hill
The full fixture for the 2026 NAB AFLW Season is available here.
