2026 AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round on 7

12th May 2026

Grand Final rematch headlines AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round

2026 acknowledges the theme: Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories.

The AFL’s annual Sir Doug Nicholls Round is set to light up screens over the next two weeks, headlined by a primetime Grand Final rematch between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats, before the marquee Dreamtime match between Richmond and Essendon, live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.

 

From 2026, Sir Doug Nicholls Round will be underpinned by an enduring theme that consistently carries across years: ‘Strengthened by First Nations. Moments. Connections. Stories.’ 

 

Kicking off with a fiery top six clash on Thursday Night Footy, the Brisbane Lions will host the Geelong Cats from the Gabba as the two teams face off for the first time in season 2026. 

 

Seven’s team will broadcast live from the ground at 7.00pm AEST, with full coverage of the pre-match cultural ceremony and the match airing live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.

 

On Friday night, football’s #1 commentary team heads to the SCG as the Sydney Swans take on Collingwood in the annual Marn Grook game, live and free from 7.00pm AEST on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport. 

 

Wrapping up Seven’s match coverage of the opening week of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, St Kilda faces Richmond on Sunday afternoon, live from Marvel Stadium at 2.30pm AEST on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.

 

Sir Doug Nicholls Round continues next week, as Hawthorn and the Adelaide Crows open the Round 11 fixture in Tasmania from 7.00pm Thursday, 21 May live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.

 

Then, on Friday, 22 May, viewers will be treated to one of the greatest spectacles on the AFL calendar, the Dreamtime at the ‘G match from 7.00pm AEST live and free on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport.

 

7AFL Expert, Chad Wingard said: “It’s extremely special to be part of Seven’s Dreamtime at the ‘G coverage during Sir Doug Nicholls Round. This round means so much to Indigenous players, families and communities and to be able to celebrate the contribution Indigenous people have made to our great game on such a big stage is amazing,” he said.

 

“Dreamtime at the ‘G is one of the most powerful nights on the AFL calendar, the atmosphere and the meaning behind the round is so important. It’s one of those games you look at and wish you had played on that stage at some point in my career, so I’m pumped to once again be part of Seven’s broadcast this year.”

Six AFL clubs have swapped their club’s name for traditional in-language names across Sir Doug Nicholls Round, including: 

  • Melbourne: Narrm (pronounced na-arm) 
  • Fremantle: Walyalup (pronounced wul-yul-up) 
  • Port Adelaide: Yartapuulti (pronounced Yarta–pole-tee) 
  • St Kilda: Euro-Yroke (pronounced yoo-roe yoo-roe-ck) 
  • Adelaide: Kuwarna (pronounced goo-wun-na) 
  • West Coast Eagles: Waalitj Marawar (pronounced wah-litch mara-wah)