The Adelaide Crows will launch their 2026 AFL campaign in a highly anticipated and potentially fiery rematch against Collingwood, but they will be without a key weapon. Star player Izak Rankine is suspended for the opening match, ensuring the clash at the MCG on March 14 carries extra spice from their recent finals history.
The Suspension and Its Fallout
The situation stems from Adelaide's thrilling round-23 victory over Collingwood this year, where Rankine admitted to using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL handed the 25-year-old a four-game ban. He missed the Crows' final home-and-away game against North Melbourne and, crucially, the team's two finals matches. Adelaide's straight-sets finals exit, the first by a minor premier since 1983, means Rankine still has one game of his suspension left to serve.
This sets the stage for a dramatic season opener. Collingwood, who secured redemption for their late-season loss by upsetting the Crows in the qualifying final at Adelaide Oval, will now host them at the MCG. That final was also marred by the Adelaide crowd's sustained booing of Magpies defender Isaac Quaynor whenever he touched the ball, adding another layer of tension to the rivalry.
A New-Look 2026 AFL Fixture
The high-stakes opener is part of a freshly unveiled 2026 AFL fixture that boasts several key features. While it will be Adelaide's first match of the season, Collingwood will be involved in the historic first Opening Round game in Victoria. The Magpies will face St Kilda at the MCG on March 8, concluding the first weekend of action after four matches are played in NSW and Queensland.
In a landmark revelation, the AFL confirmed this fixture was compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, using software from provider Fastbreak AI. This technological approach aims to build momentum and give fans consistency.
Prime Time and Grand Final Rematches
Following their first finals appearance since the 2017 grand final, the Adelaide Crows have been crowned the Thursday night kings for 2026. Matthew Nicks' team is locked into the marquee timeslot five times in the first 15 rounds, the most of any club.
However, beaten grand finalists Geelong have the most prime-time games overall before the floating fixture begins in round 16, with eight Thursday or Friday night matches. The Cats' grand final rematch against the Brisbane Lions will be a blockbuster, opening round 10 on a Thursday night at the Gabba. Geelong will then host Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium in round 17.
The Lions, who will be aiming for a rare premiership three-peat, have been given a relatively low profile by AFL schedulers. Brisbane has just three Thursday or Friday night matches: against Collingwood on Easter Thursday, Geelong, and Carlton in round nine. In a notable move, the Lions have also been scheduled to face Richmond at Ninja Stadium in Hobart after the Tigers agreed to sell a home game to Tasmania.
AFL scheduling boss Josh Bowler said the fixture aims to strengthen fan rituals, highlighting the strong growth in Queensland and NSW. He also pointed to the five Friday night double headers in the first half of the season as a way to maximise attendance and kickstart the weekend of footy.
