AFL announces full 2023 pre-season schedule with 17 games to be played
The AFL has announced the full list of pre-season fixtures.
The 2023 season proper will kick off on March 13, with Richmond and Carlton once again taking the honours as opening game on a Thursday night.
But prior to that, clubs will have the chance to get match fitness into players, and tinker with any new tactics they may want to implement in the hunt for the premiership flag.
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The AFL has scheduled eight "match simulation" games in February, followed by all 18 clubs playing an official practice match in early March.
The Bulldogs and Giants both opted not to play a match simulation, but the other 16 clubs chose to.
Tyson Stengle of the Cats celebrates with Jeremy Cameron after kicking a goal during the 2022 AFL grand final. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) via Getty Images
Fans will be able to watch all the pre-season games for free at the venue.
Whereas the AFL has previously organised an offical pre-season competition, there will be no extra incentives for teams this year.
Here's the full AFL pre-season schedule.
MATCH SIMULATION
Thursday, February 23
Geelong vs Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium
Gold Coast vs Essendon at Austworld Centre Oval
Friday, February 24
Carlton vs Collingwood at IKON Park
North Melbourne vs Richmond at Arden Street Oval
Sydney vs Brisbane at Tramway Oval
St Kilda vs Melbourne at RSEA Park
Fremantle vs Adelaide at Victor George Kallis Oval
West Coast vs Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park
PRACTICE MATCHES
Thursday, March 2
Hawthorn vs Collingwood at UTAS Stadium
Fremantle vs Port Adelaide at Fremantle Oval
Brisbane vs Geelong at Brighton Homes Arena
Friday, March 3
St Kilda vs Essendon at RSEA Park
Sydney vs Carlton at Blacktown International Sports Park
West Coast vs Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park
Saturday, March 4
Greater Western Sydney vs Gold Coast at Blacktown International Sports Park
Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne at IKON Park
Melbourne vs Richmond at Casey Fields
