AFL Teams 2026: Round 16 (Mid-season Bye 5)

Quick Links

Game 1: Lions vs Swans |
Game 2: Hawks vs Giants |
Game 3: Blues vs Eagles |
Game 4: Pies vs Tigers |
Game 5: Power vs Crows |
Game 6: Roos vs Bombers |
Game 7: Freo vs Suns

Wednesday – Early news

Round 16 is here, and it marks the final week of the mid-season bye rounds, with the Western Bulldogs, Geelong, St Kilda, and Melbourne all having a rest. Early News: It has already been confirmed that Errol Gulden will return this week after a lengthy stint on the sidelines. Unfortunately, Jack Sinclair looks set for an extended absence with a serious calf injury. Tom De Koning suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs, which could make Rowan Marshall a serious option after the bye, particularly given his FWD status. Both Jye Caldwell and Darcy Parish are available again for Essendon. Another big out is Tristan Xerri, who has suffered a fractured jaw and is currently listed as 1-2 weeks. For West Coast, both Tom McCarthy and Willem Duursma are a chance to return.

Important times to remember

Thursday game teamsheets ~6:20pm AEDT Wednesday

Friday/Sat/Sun game teamsheets ~6:20pm AEDT Thursday

Sunday extended bench selection ~5:00pm AEDT Friday

GAME 1: Brisbane Lions vs Sydney Swans

Thursday June 25 – AEST: 7:30pm Gabba, Brisbane ☁🌙

Notes: Partly cloudy conditions are forecast for the opening match of Round 16. A few showers are possible earlier in the day, but lighter winds and mostly dry conditions are expected by bounce-down, with minimal impact on scoring. Errol Gulden is back for Sydney and could be an early POD option for coaches willing to jump straight on, although there is still some risk around managed time on ground after his return. Interestingly, he has been named on a wing. The bigger red flag is for Brodie Grundy coaches, with Peter Ladhams selected and likely to share ruck duties.

GAME 2: Hawthorn vs GWS Giants

Friday June 26 – AEST: 7:40pm MCG, Melbourne ☁🌙

Notes: Cloudy conditions and light winds are forecast for Friday night at the MCG, so weather should have minimal impact on scoring.

GAME 3: Carlton vs West Coast Eagles

Saturday June 27 – AEST: 1:15pm Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 🏢

Notes: Cool and cloudy conditions are forecast in Melbourne.

GAME 4: Collingwood vs Richmond

Saturday June 27 – AEST: 4:15pm MCG, Melbourne ☁

Notes: Cool and cloudy conditions are forecast for the afternoon at the MCG, with no significant weather concerns expected.

GAME 5: Port Adelaide vs Adelaide Crows

Saturday June 27 – AEST: 7:35pm Adelaide Oval, Adelaide ☁🌙

Notes: Partly cloudy conditions are forecast for Saturday night’s Showdown, with little weather impact expected.

GAME 6: North Melbourne vs Essendon

Sunday June 28 – AEST: 3:15pm Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 🏢

Notes: Partly cloudy conditions are forecast, with only a slight chance of a shower developing during the evening after the match. Remember to check Sunday extended benches at approximately 5pm on Friday.

GAME 7: Fremantle vs Gold Coast Suns

Sunday June 28 – AEST: 5:10pm Optus Stadium, Perth 🌦

Notes: Wet conditions are forecast in Perth, with a very high chance of showers throughout the day. Moderate westerly winds are expected before easing during the evening, and the weather could have some impact on ball handling and scoring. Remember to check Sunday extended benches at approximately 5pm on Friday.

“`

Shags

A windy cold day in 2015, I was bored, sick with the flu, and decided to start a blog about Teamsheets. I was immediately recruited by Warnie and somehow am now a DTTALK author. NOTE; Im Back in 2022! woooo Twitter @shagbags2023 ~REMEMBER: Friends don't let friends DT TEAMS become ghost ships.