The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced the details for the match simulation and practice matches, which will be free to attend for all footy fans, streamed on Kayo and Foxtel.
All 18 clubs will compete in an official practice match, replicating the format and game length of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season matches. Additionally, 16 clubs will participate in a match-simulation, with the format, number of players, game length, and number of breaks to be agreed upon by the competing teams.
However, due to the AFL’s additional round of matches in South Australia, participation in the match-simulation was made optional for clubs. As a result, the Western Bulldogs and the GWS Giants have elected not to participate in the match-simulation.
Fans can expect to see new players, new coaches, and new captains as they gear up for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Arrangements for match simulation will be managed and communicated by each club.
AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcast, Travis Auld, expressed his excitement for the 2023 season and for giving fans a glimpse of what’s in store. “After an incredible 2022, which saw two AFLW seasons and one of the best AFL seasons on record, the football industry took a well-deserved break. Now, footy returns, and momentum builds for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season,” Auld said.
So mark your calendars, and get ready to enjoy some footy action!
2023 Match-Simulation (23-24 Feb). Broadcast arrangements forthcoming.
| Thursday 23 February | Venue | Local time | Format |
| Carlton vs. Collingwood | IKON Park | 11.00am | 4 x 25 mins (no time on) |
| Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn | GMHBA Stadium | 4.00pm | 4 x 20 mins plus time on |
| Gold Coast SUNS vs. Essendon | Austworld Centre Oval | 4.00pm | 6 x 25 mins (no time on) |
| Friday 24 February | |||
| North Melbourne vs. Richmond | Arden Street Oval | 10.00am | 6 periods. 4 x 25 mins and 2 x 20 mins (no time on) |
| Sydney Swans vs. Brisbane Lions | Tramway Oval | 12.00pm | 4 x 25 mins (no time on) |
| St Kilda vs. Melbourne | RSEA Park | 4.00pm | 6 x 25 mins (no time on) |
| Fremantle vs. Adelaide Crows | Victor George Kailis Oval | 3.30pm | 6 x 25 mins (no time on) |
| West Coast Eagles vs. Port Adelaide | Mineral Resources Park | 4.40pm | 6 periods. 4 x 28 mins, 2 x 20 mins (no time on) |
2023 Practice Matches (2-4 March). Broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo.
| Thursday 2 March | Venue | EDT | Local time |
| Hawthorn vs. Collingwood | UTAS Stadium | 5:10pm | 5:10pm |
| Fremantle vs. Port Adelaide | Fremantle Oval | 7:10pm | 4:10pm |
| Brisbane Lions vs. Geelong Cats | Brighton Homes Arena | 8:10pm | 7:10pm |
| Friday 3 March | |||
| St Kilda vs. Essendon | RSEA Park | 4:10pm | 4:10pm |
| Sydney Swans vs. Carlton | Blacktown International Sports Park |
7:10pm | 7:10pm |
| West Coast Eagles vs. Adelaide Crows | Mineral Resources Park | 7:40pm | 4:40pm |
| Saturday 4 March | |||
| GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast SUNS | Blacktown International Sports Park |
12:10pm | 12:10pm |
| Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne | IKON Park | 1:10pm | 1:10pm |
| Melbourne vs. Richmond | Casey Fields | 4:10pm | 4:10pm |
