AFL 2021 pre-season fixture released: Games, dates, venues

The AFL has released the 2021 Community Series pre-season fixture with 18 games scheduled across 18 different venues around Australia.

The three-week pre-season competition starts on February 18 when Grand Finalists Geelong host Essendon under lights at GMHBA Stadium.

All 18 clubs will play two games over three weeks before reigning premiers Richmond and Carlton open the 2021 premiership season on March 18.

“Our two objectives for the pre-season fixture are to give clubs the best opportunity to prepare ahead of the season and to take matches to supporters in local and regional communities,” AFL fixture boss Auld said in a statement.

“The AFL Community Series will see football played at local grounds right across the country and we are really looking forward to connecting the elite men’s game to regional and suburban footy grounds, allowing fans to be able to watch their teams in action in their own backyard.

Below is the full 2021 AFL Community Series fixture (All times AEDT):

2021 AFL Community Series fixture

WEEK 1

Thursday February 18

Geelong Cats vs Essendon — GMHBA Stadium, 7.10pm

Friday February 19

West Coast Eagles vs St Kilda — Leederville Oval, 7.40pm

Saturday February 20

Collingwood vs Hawthorn — Morwell Recreation Reserve, 3.10pm

GWS Giants vs Sydney Swans — Blacktown International Sportspark, 6.10pm

Sunday February 21

Port Adelaide vs Carlton — Bennett Oval (Whyalla, SA), 5.10pm

WEEK 2

Friday February 26

Fremantle vs Melbourne — Fremantle Oval, 7.10pm

Saturday February 27

Richmond vs Western Bulldogs — Lavington Sports Ground (Albury, NSW), 3.10pm

Gold Coast Suns vs Brisbane Lions — Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm

Sunday February 28

North Melbourne vs Adelaide — North Hobart Oval, 2.10pm

WEEK 3

Wednesday March 3

Sydney Swans vs Collingwood — C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 7.10pm

Thursday March 4

St Kilda vs Geelong Cats — RSEA Park, 7.10pm

Friday March 5

GWS Giants vs Essendon — Manuka Oval, 7.40pm

Saturday March 6

Western Bulldogs vs Gold Coast Suns — Victoria University Whitten Oval, 1.40pm

Carlton vs Brisbane Lions — Ikon Park, 4.40pm

Hawthorn vs Port Adelaide — UTAS Stadium, 7.40pm

Sunday March 7

Adelaide Crows vs Richmond — Flinders University Stadium (Noarlunga), 1.10pm

Melbourne vs North Melbourne — Casey Fields, 4.10pm

West Coast Eagles vs Fremantle — David Grays Arena (Mandurah), 7.10pm