The AFL has today confirmed that all match simulation and practice matches will be streamed live on Kayo Sports and broadcast on Foxtel.
The eight match simulations will be conducted between February 23-24, with the format, number of players, game length and number of breaks determined by the competing teams.
All 18 clubs will compete in one official practice match between March 2-4 with the format and game length replicating Toyota AFL Premiership Season matches.
Fans will have free entry to all practice matches.
AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcast Travis Auld thanked Kayo Sports and Foxtel for providing footy fans with a taste of what is in store for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
“We’re pleased to partner with Kayo Sports and Foxtel to take the next two weeks of footy to fans around the country,” Auld said.
“Excitement continues to build for Round One and fans will be able to get a glimpse of what their team has in store for the 2023 season.”
Fox Footy General Manager Michael Neill said he was looking forward to the return of footy this week.
“We’re offering fans something a bit extra this year with match simulations kicking off all the action early on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, before all nine practice matches begin on March 2.”
“We can’t wait for the footy to be back – the Fox Footy team is raring to go!”
2023 Match Simulation (February 23-24)
Thursday, February 23
Geelong Cats v Hawthorn, GMHBA Stadium, 4pm AEDT, 4 x 20 mins (plus time on)
Gold Coast SUNS v Essendon, Austworld Centre Oval (Carrara), 4pm local (5pm AEDT), 6 x 25 mins (no time on)
Friday, February 24
North Melbourne v Richmond, Arden St Oval, 10am AEDT, 6 periods, 4 x 25 mins and 2 x 20 mins (no time on)
Carlton v Collingwood, Ikon Park, 11am AEDT, 4 x 25 mins (no time on)
Sydney Swans v Brisbane Lions, Tramway Oval (Moore Park), 12pm AEDT, 4 x 25 mins (no time on)
St Kilda v Melbourne, RSEA Park, 4pm AEDT, 6 x 25 mins (no time on)
Fremantle v Adelaide Crows, Victor George Kailis Oval (Cockburn), 3.20pm local (6.20pm AEDT), 7 periods, 6 x 25 mins, 1 x 20 mins (no time on)
West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide, Mineral Resources Park (Perth) 4.40pm local (7.40pm AEDT), 6 periods, 4 x 28 mins and 2 x 20 mins (no time on)
Please note, the format of match simulations are subject to change if agreed by the participating clubs.
2023 Practice Matches (March 2-4)
Thursday, March 2
Hawthorn v Collingwood, UTAS Stadium, 5.10pm AEDT
Fremantle v Port Adelaide, Fremantle Oval, 4.10pm local (7.10pm AEDT)
Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats, Brighton Homes Arena, 7.10pm local (8.10pm AEDT)
Friday, March 3
St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, 4.10pm AEDT
Sydney Swans v Carlton, Blacktown International Sports Park, 7.10pm AEDT
West Coast Eagles v Adelaide Crows, Mineral Resources Park (Perth), 4.40pm local (7.40pm AEDT)
Saturday, March 4
GWS GIANTS v Gold Coast SUNS, Blacktown International Sports Park, 12.10pm AEDT
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Ikon Park, 1.10pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, 4.10pm AEDT
Squads for the match simulations will be communicated by clubs the day prior to their match.
Teams for the official practice matches will be released by the AFL at 5pm AEDT the day prior to the match.
Working media wishing to attend match simulations or practice matches are asked to RSVP to the home team’s media department.
Fans who are new to Kayo Sports can subscribe to a 7-day free trial here.
