Overview
- The 2026 season opens March 5 at the SCG with Sydney hosting Carlton, followed by four more headline fixtures through March 8.
- Carlton will unveil Jagga Smith and Harry Dean, with coach Michael Voss foreshadowing as many as 10–11 changes from last year’s finish and former Swans Ollie Florent and Will Hayward in line to face their old club.
- Key defender Jacob Weitering, recovering from cracked ribs suffered in State of Origin, is expected to play if he clears an uncontrolled contact session, while defender Nic Newman remains unavailable until at least round three due to suspension.
- Reigning premiers Brisbane will unfurl their flag at the Gabba against the Western Bulldogs, with Jaspa Fletcher stressing belief in the club’s depth as Cam Rayner builds to return and Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester come back from concussion.
- Elsewhere, ESPN notes Geelong’s Chris Scott is confident on Bailey Smith and Jeremy Cameron for Friday at the Suns, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is firming for a Gold Coast debut, Collingwood–St Kilda is billed as a marquee Sunday clash, and Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe won a Tribunal appeal as several players serve early-season bans.