ROUND 12 

Essendon v Collingwood  

1:05pm AEDT, Sunday 1st October 2026  

Gates open from 12:05pm  

Windy Hill, Essendon  

10,000th FAN AT WINDY HILL 

We want to see you at Windy Hill this Sunday as we go up against the Pies. We’ve had a lot of supporters come through the gates of Windy Hill this season and are only just short of 10,000. Get to the game on Sunday and have a chance at being our 10,000th fan, through the doors.  

One lucky fan will participate in our Guard of Honour, celebrating the final time this year that the team will run out, and be our Honorary Scarf Waver, for our iconic Essendon Scarf Wave. We want to see you there!  

WHAT’S ON  

There’s plenty happening at Windy Hill this Sunday, so come along and cheer on the Bombers as they take on Collingwood. 

This week’s ‘Thank You’ Round celebrates the members and supporters who keep showing up for the team. We’re excited to welcome everyone to Windy Hill, in the heart of Essendon, for our final game of the season. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. 

KEY TIMINGS  

There will be a little something for everyone inside the ground on Sunday, so we recommend getting to the game nice and early to make the most of everything on offer.   

Make sure you swing by activation zone inside the Raleigh Street gate to keep the whole family entertained pre-game. Make sure you visit our friends at Toyota Forklifts for free face painting! Come and test out your hand ball skills at the RMIT Adapta ball activation. If the pre-game nerves are getting to you, be sure to head to the NEC Chill Hill to watch the game in comfort.  

There will be giveaways from partners Toyota Forklifts and Palo Alto Networks to make sure no-one goes home empty handed! 

Be sure to get to the ground early so you don’t miss a minute of the action. Fans and members can access the game via Gate 1 (Cnr Napier / Brewster Street) or Gate 2 (Raleigh Street). 

AFLW members can scan into Windy Hill using their mobile membership, found within the Essendon app.  More information on how to use your mobile membership can be found here.   

Non-members can purchase tickets online via Ticketmaster, or at the ticket booth upon arrival. We strongly recommend fans purchase their tickets online before the game to ensure easy access into Windy Hill, as we expect long wait lines at the ticket window.   

Need assistance? Our friendly membership team will be available from 11:45am at the Membership ticket window on Napier Street.  

If you’re not a member, it’s not too late to sign up for 2026. Simply signup/renew online and then login to the Essendon FC app to access your ticket. Further information on AFLW packages can be found here.        

TV*: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo, Binge, 7plus (From 1:00pm)   

*Based on Melbourne/VIC region. Click here to adjust your state.  

MERCHANDISE  

Bombers fans can grab all the latest and greatest merchandise from the Bomber Shop, located inside Windy Hill, on the right of the Cookson stand.  

 Members receive 10% off each purchase, so make sure you have your digital membership handy to receive your discount.   

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION 

For patrons requiring accessible or wheelchair seating, spaces are available within the dedicated accessible seating area inside Gate 1 (Crn Napier/Brewster Street).

There will be extremely limited street parking available around Windy Hill, so it is recommended that all patrons use public transport to arrive at the venue.  

Windy Hill is only a short 500m walk from Essendon Station or 650m walk from Glenbervie Station, which can be accessed via train, bus and tram. Make sure you plan your journey ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss the first bounce!    

Bringing your own chair is not permitted at AFLW games, if you require a seat, we recommend arriving early and finding a seat in the Reynolds or Cookson Stands.   

Animals are not allowed inside the Windy Hill precinct on game day. If you have a service animal, please bring necessary documentation to ensure you and your pet are welcomed into the stadium.