AFL 2025: Single round of pre-season fixtures confirmed

A West Coast great is set to face his former club ahead of the 2025 season as the AFL confirmed the official pre-season games.

Bunbury footy fans will get an early taste of AFL action next year when North Melbourne meets West Coast in an official pre-season clash the week before opening round.

The AFL released the fixture for a single round of practice matches between February 25 and March 2, with unofficial match simulation games to be arranged between clubs and held in the previous week.

Geelong and Essendon will kick off the community series matches with a Tuesday night clash at Kardinia Park before the practice games conclude with Fremantle hosting Melbourne at Mandurah’s Rushton Park.

Adelaide, Sydney and Port Adelaide are the only non-Victorian teams heading interstate in the official fixture, with Brisbane and the Swans to play their opening round matches seven days after their practice games.

Jack Darling could be involved in an early clash against his former West Coast Eagles when North Melbourne travels to Bunbury for a pre-season clash in March. Picture: Quinn Rooney / Getty Images

West Coast champion Jack Darling could meet his former Eagles when the Kangaroos head west in what will be one of three trips to WA in 2025 following their multi-year agreement to play two home games in the state.

The Kangaroos will host the Eagles at the Bunbury ground three months later in round 13.

Richmond and Collingwood will meet again in their Charity Shield clash after the inaugural fixture was held in February this year at Princes Park.

More than 11,000 tickets were sold for this year’s clash, delivering 120,000 meals for Foodbank Victoria.

“We are pleased to confirm the AAMI community series matches as we build towards another exciting season,” AFL head of strategy and scheduling Josh Bowler said.

“The 2025 AAMI community series is a great opportunity for fans to get their first look at their teams for the season.

“We’re looking forward to seeing thousands of supporters get behind their clubs in what will be a great spectacle for the whole family.”

AFL official pre-season practice games 2025

Tuesday February 25

Geelong vs. Essendon, Kardinia Park 7.10pm

Wednesday February 26

Richmond vs. Collingwood, Princes Park 7.10pm

Thursday February 27

Hawthorn vs. Western Bulldogs, York Park 5.20pm

Brisbane vs. Adelaide, Springfield 7.10pm (8.10pm AEDT)

Friday February 28

GWS vs. Carlton, Manuka Oval 5.20pm

Gold Coast vs. Sydney, Carrara Stadium, 7.10pm (8.10pm AEDT)

Saturday March 1

St Kilda vs. Port Adelaide, Moorabbin 3.10pm

West Coast vs. North Melbourne, Hands Oval 3.10pm (6.10pm AEDT)

Sunday March 2

Fremantle vs. Melbourne, Rushton Park 3.10pm (6.10pm AEDT)

Originally published as AFL 2025: Single round of pre-season fixtures confirmed