AFL 2026

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Carlton’s Sam Docherty is chaired off the ground after his final game.

Former skipper unloads on Blues in expletive-laden spray

Carlton has copped some truth bombs from one of its own - Sam Docherty, a revered figure at the club who was in the club’s inner-sanctum just months ago.

  • Danny Russell, Greg Dundas and Peter Ryan

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Charlie Curnow began his career at Sydney in good style.

The third quarter that changed the game – and maybe the Swans’ season

Trailing by 10 points at half-time, the Swans’ remarkable 75-point third quarter kick-started their season. We break down how they did it.

  • Jonathan Drennan
First responders of the Bondi terror attack and Ahmed Al Ahmed, the hero who wrestled a gun from one of the shooters, are acknowledged during the 2026 AFL Opening Round match between the Sydney Swans and the Carlton Blues at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

The AFL usually loves pushing a social cause. So why is it ignoring this one?

The AFL would never admit it, but some around football say it has turned its back when Australia most needs it because it’s nervous about a public backlash.

  • Neil Mitchell
Curnow

Buddy 2.0: Sydney falls in love with its latest forward superstar at the SCG

As he slotted his maiden goal for his new club against his old one, Charlie Curnow staked his claim as the successor to Lance Franklin, Barry Hall and Tony Lockett.

  • Tom Decent
Oliver at Giants headquarters ahead of Opening Round.

‘Wish I had done it a couple of years ago’: Oliver on Dees years, trade and the diagnosis that changed his life

Clayton Oliver says he is ready to resurrect his career at the Giants.

  • Peter Ryan
Ollie Florent and Isaac Heeney go toe-to-toe

They looked shocked: The moment Carlton’s bad habits returned on opening night

Carlton started on a new path in October, while the Swans returned to their old ways. In opening round, both clubs showed they can still walk away winners.

  • Peter Ryan
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Making his mark: Shannon Neale has become a key figure in the Cats’ premiership hopes.

How a $10 fine (with interest) could drive the Cats to a flag

Young Geelong spearhead Shannon Neale opens up on his grand final heartbreak, a junior football injury that shaped his future, his carb-heavy pre-game routine and, of course, Bailey Smith.

  • Jon Pierik
Charlie Curnow looks across at former teammate Sam Walsh.

Curnow admits Blues gave him the silent treatment, but star forward has the last laugh

Two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow went head-to-head with his former side for the first time in the 2026 season opener, which at times produced some eyebrow-raising moments.

  • Danny Russell, Peter Ryan and Jonathan Drennan
Noah Anderson and Patrick Dangerfield.

AFL opening round teams and expert tips: Cats superstars ruled out for blockbuster

All the teams for the AFL’s opening round – plus the experts give their tips for the first weekend of footy for the 2026 season.

The AFL has seven rule changes coming into effect for the 2026 season. Sports writer for The Age, Andrew Wu, breaks down what you need to know.
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Everything you need to know about the AFL's 2026 rule changes

The AFL has seven rule changes coming into effect for the 2026 season. Sports writer for The Age, Andrew Wu, breaks down what you need to know.