2026 Talent League Schedule Announced

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 26, 2026 4:09 PM ET

The Australian Football League (AFL) has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 Talent League season. This competition is a significant developmental platform for underage footballers, featuring both boys and girls teams primarily from eastern Australia. The league showcases 12 full-time programs from Victoria, alongside the Tasmania Devils.

2026 Talent League Schedule Highlights

The 2026 campaign will introduce the Bachar Houli Foundation’s National Senior Boys Academy, which will participate in two matches during the Talent League season. This academy aims to nurture young Islamic footballers under 18, having previously produced three AFL players including Saad El-Hawli and Adem Sweid.

Key Dates for the Boys’ Season

Start Date: March 21-22, 2026, for Round 1.
Final Round: August 22-23, 2026.
Wildcard Round: August 29-30, 2026.
Grand Final: September 19-20, 2026.

The Talent League Boys will consist of 23 rounds, with teams from New South Wales and Queensland engaged from Round 2. The Eastern Ranges, the reigning champions, will look to defend their title after a victory over the Sandringham Dragons in the previous Grand Final.

Key Dates for the Girls’ Season

Start Date: March 28-29, 2026, with two initial matches.
Final Round: Scheduled for August 29-30, 2026.
Grand Final: September 19-20, 2026.

The Talent League Girls will play across 21 rounds this season, with all Victorian teams commencing their campaigns in Round 2. The Eastern Ranges also won the girls’ premiership last year, defeating the Dandenong Stingrays by 38 points.

Community Engagement

This season’s schedule includes community access breaks. These periods enable players to engage with local football communities while balancing their academic commitments.

Under 16 Competition

The Talent League’s Under 16 competition will run from February to April 2026. During this period, each of the 12 Victorian teams will participate in two matches. These matches are crucial for selecting the Victoria Country and Victoria Metro teams for the upcoming National Development Championships.

Victorian Diversity All-Stars

The 2026 Victorian Diversity All-Stars events will take place at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval on April 9, 2026. These matches will highlight young Indigenous and multicultural footballers under 18.

Conclusion

The 2026 Talent League’s structure emphasizes player development and aims to produce future stars of Australian football. With an extensive schedule and community involvement, the league promises to deliver an exciting season for players and fans alike.

For the full 2026 Talent League fixture and updates, visit Filmogaz.com.