Hawks and Dogs Set for 2026 Gather Round Showdown

The AFL has announced that the Hawthorn Hawks will face the Western Bulldogs in a highly anticipated clash during the 2026 Gather Round. The match is scheduled for a Saturday night spectacular at Adelaide Oval, promising an exciting encounter for fans of both clubs.

Key Takeaways

• Hawthorn Hawks to play Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval.
• Match scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 7:05 PM ACST.
• Part of the AFL's Gather Round, a festival of footy.

Gather Round Fixture Unveiled

The AFL has officially released the fixtures for the 2026 Gather Round, confirming a prime-time Saturday night showdown between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Western Bulldogs. The game is set to take place at the iconic Adelaide Oval on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the bounce scheduled for 7:05 PM ACST (7:35 PM AEST).

This fixture places the Hawks and Bulldogs in a key match during the festival of footy, which has become a popular event on the AFL calendar since its inception. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in front of a large crowd.

Ticket Information and Broadcast Details

For Hawthorn members, priority access to tickets will be available from Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with general public sales commencing the following day, Thursday, December 4, 2025. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Footy and Kayo, ensuring that fans across the country can tune in to the action.

The Western Bulldogs have previously played at Adelaide Oval during Gather Round, facing Port Adelaide and Geelong in past seasons. This year's appearance adds another chapter to their Gather Round history.

A Glimpse at the Bulldogs' 2026 Season

While the Gather Round fixture is a major highlight, the Western Bulldogs' 2026 season also features several other must-see games. These include their Round 1 home opener against the Greater Western Sydney Giants, a traditional Easter Sunday clash with Essendon, and a Thursday night encounter with the Sydney Swans during ANZAC Appeal Round.

Other notable fixtures for the Bulldogs include a rematch against Fremantle, a home game during Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Melbourne, and a blockbuster Saturday night clash against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium. These games promise to deliver exciting football throughout the season.

Sources

• Hawks v Dogs in a Saturday night spectacular, hawthornfc.com.au.
• Dogs to meet Hawks in 2026 Gather Round, westernbulldogs.com.au.
• 2026 AFL Fixture: Six must-see games, westernbulldogs.com.au.