The AFL is pleased to confirm details for the match simulation and practice matches, with all practice matches free to attend.

All 18 clubs will compete in one official practice match, with the format and game length replicating Toyota AFL Premiership Season matches.

16 clubs will participate in an additional match-simulation with the format, number of players, game length, and number of breaks to be agreed upon by the competing teams.

Due to the AFL’s additional round of matches in South Australia for ‘Gather Round’, participation in match-simulation was made optional for clubs.

The Western Bulldogs and the GWS GIANTS have elected not to participate in the match-simulation.

Fans will have free entry to all practice matches. Arrangements for match simulation will be managed and communicated by each club.

North Melbourne will face Richmond in match simulation at Arden Street Oval on Friday, February 24 at 10am.

The Kangaroos will then face the Western Bulldogs in an official practice match at Ikon Park on Saturday, March 4 at 1.10pm.

AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcast Travis Auld said that he was pleased to give footy fans a glimpse of what is in store for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

“After an incredible 2022 - in which we saw two AFLW seasons and one of the best AFL seasons on record - the football industry took a well-earned break. Now, footy returns and momentum builds for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season,” Auld said.

“Fans will get their first glimpse at new players, new coaches, and new captains ahead of a big 2023 season.”

2023 Match-Simulation (23-24 Feb)

23 February - Thursday
Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium - 4.00pm (4 x 20 min plus time on)
Gold Coast SUNS vs. Essendon at Austworld Centre Oval - 4.00pm (6 x 25 min, no time on)

24 February - Friday
North Melbourne vs. Richmond at Arden Street Oval - 10.00am (4 x 25 mins, 2 x 20 mins, no time on)
Carlton vs. Collingwood at IKON Park  - 11.00am (4 x 25 min, no time on)
Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions at Tramway Oval - 12.00pm (4 x 25 min, no time on)

25 February - Saturday
St Kilda vs. Melbourne at RSEA Park - 4.00pm (6 x 25 min, no time on)
Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows at Victor George Kailis Oval - 3.30pm (6 x 25 min, no time on)
West Coast Eagles vs. Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park - 4.40pm (4 x 28 min, 2 x 20 min, no time on)

2023 Practice Matches (2-4 March) Broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo

2 March - Thursday
Hawthorn vs. Collingwood at UTAS Stadium (5.10pm)
Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide at Fremantle Oval (7.10pm)
Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats at Brighton Homes Arena (8.10pm)

3 March - Friday
St Kilda vs. Essendon at RSEA Park (4.10pm)
Sydney Swans vs. Carlton at Blacktown International Sports Park (7.10pm)
West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows at Mineral Resources Park (7.40pm)

4 March - Saturday
GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast SUNS at Blacktown International Sports Park (12.10pm)
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne at Ikon Park (1.10pm)
Melbourne vs. Richmond at Casey Fields (4.10pm)

All times are AEDT

Squads for the match simulation will be communicated by clubs on the day of the match.

Teams for the official practice matches will be released by the AFL at 5pm AEDT the day prior to the match.