If you’ve woken up this morning, grabbed your phone, and searched for who's playing AFL today, you’re probably met with a bit of a confusing silence. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. Usually, our weekends are dictated by the roar of the MCG or the siren at Optus Stadium. But right now? The goalposts are bare.
The short answer is: nobody is playing a premiership match today.
Honestly, we are right in the thick of the "silly season" of training blocks. While the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership fixture is already locked in—we know the Sydney Swans will host Carlton to kick things off on Thursday, March 5—today is strictly about the grind. If you're looking for live footy on your TV right now, you're going to find cricket or replays of last year's Grand Final.
But that doesn’t mean the clubs are sleeping. Far from it.
The Reality of Who's Playing AFL Today
We are currently in the pre-season training window. This is the part of the year where players like Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli are doing 15km running sessions in 30-degree heat rather than chasing a Sherrin in front of 80,000 people.
✨ Don't miss: Georgia vs Ole Miss: Why This Isn't Just Another SEC Game Anymore
Just yesterday, Friday, January 16, North Melbourne held a pretty intense match simulation at Arden Street. It wasn't an "official" game, but for the fans who rocked up, it was the first look at the 2026 version of the Roos. Tristan Xerri was dominating the hit-outs, and word is that Finn O'Sullivan is already looking like he’s played 50 games despite being a fresh face.
Most clubs are doing exactly this right now. They aren't playing against other teams yet; they are playing against themselves.
When do the actual games start?
If you're desperate to see your team take on an opponent, you’ve got about a month to wait. The AFL Origin match—Victoria vs. Western Australia—is the first "big" event on the calendar, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at Optus Stadium.
After that, the floodgates open:
- February 16: Hawthorn vs. Geelong (Match Sim at Kennedy Community Centre)
- February 19: Gold Coast vs. St Kilda (People First Stadium)
- February 20: The big "Pre-season Showdown" between Adelaide and Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
- February 25: The official AAMI Community Series begins with Carlton taking on Geelong at Ikon Park.
Why the January Lull Actually Matters
It’s easy to get frustrated when you want to know who's playing AFL today and find out the answer is "no one." However, this month is where the season is won or lost.
Take the Adelaide Crows, for example. News out of West Lakes today suggests a "powerful shift" in their leadership. Alex Neal-Bullen, who moved from the Dees, has been vocal about how Josh Rachele and Riley Thilthorpe are basically taking over the training track. This is the stuff that doesn't show up on a scoreboard in January but determines who makes the top eight in August.
Then you've got the injury ward. January is high-risk. We already know Will Day at Hawthorn is struggling with a shoulder, and Clayton Oliver at the Giants is dealing with a calf strain. These aren't just "off-season niggles"—they are the stories that define the early rounds.
The AFLW Equation
Usually, fans look to the AFLW to fill the gap, but the 2026 schedule has shifted. We are currently in the post-season/draft period for the women’s game. The focus right now is on list builds and the "Casey Demons VFL" lists taking shape, as reported by local insiders. If you were hoping for a Saturday afternoon double-header, the calendar just isn't aligning today.
What to Watch Instead Today
Since there are no AFL matches to attend or stream today, January 17, here is how you can get your fix:
- Check Club Socials: Most teams (like Collingwood and Richmond) are posting "Mic'd Up" segments from this week's training. It's the best way to see the new draftees in action.
- BBL Cricket: If you're at a loose end in Perth, the Scorchers are taking on the Melbourne Stars tonight at Optus Stadium. It’s not footy, but it’s live sport in a major stadium.
- Fantasy AFL Prep: This is the prime time to look at "cash cows." Jagga Smith at the Blues is currently the most talked-about rookie for 2026. If he plays like he's training, he's a must-have.
Actionable Steps for Footy Fans
Don't let the empty schedule get you down. Here is what you should do today to stay ahead of the curve:
- Download the AFL App: Ensure your notifications are on for "Team News." This is the window where sudden injury updates or "retirement" bombshells usually drop.
- Book Origin Tickets: If you're in WA, the February 14 Origin game is going to sell out. It’s the first time we’ve seen State of Origin in years, and the hype is massive.
- Review the Round 0 Fixture: Remember, the season starts with "Opening Round" in NSW and QLD again. If you're planning a trip to see Sydney vs. Carlton on March 5, you need to be looking at flights now before the prices spike.
The wait is almost over. While who's playing AFL today might be a short list of "nobody," the engines are definitely starting to roar in the background.
💡 You might also like: Summer Heat Beach Volleyball: Why Your Strategy Changes When the Sand Hits 120 Degrees
Check back in mid-February when the match simulations turn into actual hits. Until then, keep an eye on the training reports—that’s where the real 2026 story is being written.