Will the NFL’s Aussie invasion force the AFL into a major backflip?
The NFL is set to host its first game in Australia in 2026, but it’s conflicting with the AFL’s finals schedule, causing tension between the leagues.
In February, the NFL confirmed a multi-year commitment to play in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The first game is set to be hosted by the Los Angeles Rams (opponent TBD) at the MCG in September 2026.
The problem is, the game could significantly disrupt the Australian Football League’s finals schedule. Although the AFL has publicly supported the NFL’s venture, the likely match date (Friday, September 11) clashes with the AFL semi-final weekend, putting both leagues on a direct collision course for use of the iconic venue.
“There’s no easy answers”
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph revealed the complexity of the situation, stating “there’s no easy answers,” especially if marquee AFL clubs like Carlton or Collingwood are scheduled for home semi-finals that same weekend.
The likely date for next September’s NFL clash which would fall in what is now the AFL semi final weekend. What are the options? Why a game on the morning of Friday September 11 poses problems for the AFL without easy answers https://t.co/9ZMeAPZLtq pic.twitter.com/6vepfdLYL1
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 22, 2025
“The NFL is about to seriously upset the AFL’s finals plans next year,” Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle. “A Friday morning clash there would mean that it’s semi-final weekend...The AFL and the MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) could turn around a game into a Saturday night game. (But) they don’t do Sunday finals.”
Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has proposed pushing the AFL season back by two weeks to avoid overlap, but that idea is seen as unlikely.
While stadium officials are confident in the MCG’s ability to handle quick turnarounds between sports, scheduling remains the major challenge. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has said a special committee will work to ensure no direct clash occurs between the two codes.
“There won’t be a clash,” Allan assured. “We’re putting together a committee to make sure the timing works for everyone, the AFL, the NFL, and the stadium.”
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