The West Australian Football League has unveiled its complete fixture for the 2026 season, delivering a detailed roadmap for the state's premier Australian rules football competition. The announcement confirms a significant change for the traditional WA State Game and sets the dates for all 20 home-and-away rounds.
A New Era for the WA State Game
In one of the most notable changes, the WA State Game will move from its traditional mid-season timeslot to the opening round of the 2026 season. This marquee event, which pits a team of the league's best players against a rival state league, will now serve as the spectacular kick-off to the football calendar. The shift is designed to maximise attention and fan engagement from the very start of the campaign.
The full fixture outlines a 20-round home-and-away season, ensuring each of the nine competing clubs has a comprehensive schedule. Supporters can now begin planning their weekends around key clashes, local derbies, and crucial away trips.
Key Dates and Structural Details
The season structure follows a familiar and competitive format. After the 20 preliminary rounds, the action will intensify with a finals series to determine the 2026 premier. The fixture has been crafted with consideration for travel, club requests, and the goal of providing a balanced and fair competition for all participants.
Clubs and fans have been eagerly awaiting this release, as it allows for strategic planning around membership drives, hospitality, and community events. The early publication of the 2026 fixture is a boon for administrative certainty and fan anticipation.
What This Means for WA Football
Moving the State Game to Round 1 represents a bold strategic play by the WAFL. It aims to capture the fresh enthusiasm at the season's start and provide a standalone showcase event that celebrates the talent within the league. This move could potentially increase media coverage and crowd numbers for the representative contest.
The confirmation of the full 20-round schedule provides stability and a clear path forward for all WAFL clubs. It underscores the league's commitment to tradition while also being willing to innovate with its showcase events to grow the game's profile across Western Australia.
With the fixture now public, the countdown to the 2026 WAFL season officially begins, promising another thrilling chapter in the storied history of West Australian football.
