AFL & NRL 2026 Schedule Release Reactions – Best Club Videos Ranked | Ahead of the Game
The 2026 AFL and NRL fixture releases stood out not just for the schedules but for the creativity behind the videos announcing them. Fremantle Dockers led the AFL with an Ashes-themed spectacle, while Carlton and Hawthorn also impressed with unique approaches. For the NRL, Canberra Raiders stole the show with a cheeky prank involving rival players, while the Parramatta Eels' intricate stop-motion video was also a highlight. Across both leagues, clever use of humor, emotion, and cultural references entertained fans and set high standards for future announcements.
- Reactions to the NRL & AFL schedule releases
- Fremantle Dockers delivered a standout Ashes-themed AFL fixture release.
- Canberra Raiders wowed NRL fans with a humorous player shoutout prank.
- Parramatta Eels impressed with a detailed stop-motion video
AFL & NRL 2026 Schedule Release Reactions
Ahead of the Game: Reactions to the Best AFL & NRL 2026 Fixture Release Videos
The 2026 AFL and NRL fixtures have officially landed but in true 2024 sports-media fashion, the schedule itself is only half the entertainment. The real spectacle lies in how clubs choose to reveal it.
- Ahead of the Game: Reactions to the Best AFL & NRL 2026 Fixture Release Videos
- AFL Fixture Releases
- 1. Fremantle Dockers — The Ashes Takeover (Best AFL Release)
- 2. Carlton — Low Budget, Big Personality
- 3. Richmond — AFL Paints
- 4. GWS Giants — Classy, Subtle, Clever
- 5. Hawthorn — Nonno Steals the Show
- NRL Fixture Releases
- 1. Canberra Raiders — The Best Overall Release
- 2. Dolphins — Bluey Crossover
- 3. Manly Sea Eagles — A New Social Era
- 4. North Queensland Cowboys — The Drawing Series
- 5. Parramatta Eels — A Stop-Motion Masterpiece
- 6. Wests Tigers — Emotional Storytelling Done Right
This week on Ahead of the Game, Ryan and Jez unpacked the funniest, sharpest, most ambitious and occasionally unhinged fixture-release videos from both codes. And make no mistake: some clubs went all in.
From Fremantle paying tribute to the Ashes to the Raiders pulling off the NRL’s greatest stitch-up, here are the standout releases of the year.
AFL Fixture Releases
1. Fremantle Dockers — The Ashes Takeover (Best AFL Release)
No contest, Fremantle delivered the AFL’s best release with a full-blown Ashes-themed production. It hit the sweet spot between timing, nostalgia and creativity. Each wicket reveal aligned with a round of their fixture, making it impossible to scroll past.
Ryan summed it up perfectly: “This first wicket was one of the most epic Ashes wickets of all time… you watch these over and over again.”
Even better, Freo layered in player goal celebrations as wicket reactions — a subtle but clever way to bring players into the story.
2. Carlton — Low Budget, Big Personality
Carlton rolled out multiple gems, including their now-iconic Spotify-style matchup graphics. Their Collingwood teaser used “Hate Everything About You,” while St Kilda copped Tate McRae’s “exes.” Sharp, cheeky, and very Carlton.
As Jez put it: “Carlton didn’t shy away… they went hard at a few of these teams.”
For a club missing finals, the swagger was elite.
3. Richmond — AFL Paints
Richmond’s release divided viewers — and that was the point. Using intentionally terrible Microsoft Paint-style drawings, the Tigers leaned into chaotic humour with rough cutouts and clunky animation.
Jez nailed it: “They’ve done a really good job… really bad job, which is a really good job.”
Sometimes the best idea is committing fully to the worst idea.
4. GWS Giants — Classy, Subtle, Clever
Known for their savage online presence, many expected a full roast from GWS. Instead, they went the opposite direction: a polished tourism-style montage sprinkled with gentle digs.
South Australia “has nothing happening.”
Collingwood “don’t like to travel.”
Brisbane are “heading to the Gold Coast like everyone else.”
Clean visuals + layered humour = a superbly restrained release.
5. Hawthorn — Nonno Steals the Show
The most engaged AFL drop came from Hawthorn, fuelled entirely by the star power of Nonno. His misread lines, accidental jokes, and the laughter from behind the camera turned the video into wholesome viral gold — over 20,000 likes and 6,500 shares.
Ryan loved it: “Just the way he delivers it with his accent and self-confidence is amazing.”
Authenticity wins again.
NRL Fixture Releases
1. Canberra Raiders — The Best Overall Release
The Raiders didn’t just create a hit — they created the fixture-release moment of the year. Canberra tricked NRL stars into filming “fan shoutouts,” only for viewers to realise those “fans” were actually Raiders players.
The very first clip? Jake Trbojevic unknowingly praising Joe Tapine like he was a junior chasing his first cap.
Jez couldn’t believe it: “They’ve absolutely pantsed some of the top profiles in the NRL.”
Pure, chaotic brilliance.
2. Dolphins — Bluey Crossover
The Dolphins secured a cultural cheat code: a collaboration with the creators of Bluey. The video used real animation and music from the show, tapping straight into the hearts of kids, parents and footy fans simultaneously.
Ryan: “When I first saw the graphic, I thought they took inspiration — but it was the actual animation.”
A cross-demographic masterstroke.
3. Manly Sea Eagles — A New Social Era
Manly’s release signalled a changing of the guard on their social team. What began as a comedy skit evolved into a full fixture reveal centred around a new “halfback” learning the ropes — very GWS-coded and very funny.
Jez saw the future:
“Feels like it’s going to hit the mark all year.”
Manly fans, keep your eyes on 2026.
4. North Queensland Cowboys — The Drawing Series
Borrowing inspiration from popular US creators, the Cowboys delivered a crisp series of time-lapse player illustrations. The Kaelan Ponga artwork especially hit the mark.
Ryan: “It’s the kind of video you sit and watch the whole way through.”
Simple idea. Clean execution. Big payoff.
5. Parramatta Eels — A Stop-Motion Masterpiece
The most technically impressive release belonged to Parra. Their stop-motion bobblehead video — complete with voiceovers from Mitch Moses, Junior Paulo and a few rivals — was meticulous and charming.
Jez was stunned: “This must have taken forever… it’s something I’d expect from an NFL team.”
A nostalgia-packed standout.
6. Wests Tigers — Emotional Storytelling Done Right
While most clubs leaned into comedy, the Tigers opted for heart. Their emotional montage blended history, culture and modern visuals, including a symbolic cutting of the old Balmain logo before unveiling their new vest and jacket.
Jez: “It was so cool… very Warriors, very on-brand.”
A powerful, grounded contrast to the rest.
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- French Open Day 4 -
- Tennis
- 2026 State of Origin Game 1 -
- Rugby League
- League of Inches Origin Best Bets: The Value Plays We’re Backing for Game 1
- State of Origin 2026 Game 1 Same Game Multi Tips & Predictions - Best Bets for NSW vs QLD
- State of Origin Game 1 Promos - Daily Dabble Specials for Origin opener
- 2026 State of Origin Game 1 New South Wales vs Queensland - Who will be Man of the Match in Origin 1?
- 2026 State of Origin NSW vs QLD Game 1 First Try Scorer Tips - Who will get the first try in Game 1 of Origin
- State of Origin 2026 Game 1 Tips and Predictions NSW Blues vs QLD Maroons - Blues Tipped to Start Strong at Accor
- 2026 State of Origin Predictions, Series Preview & Schedule – Who will win the 2026 State of Origin Series?
- Happy Valley - May 27 -
- Horse Racing
- Joao Fonseca vs Dino Prizmic -
- Tennis
- Pablo Carreno Busta vs Thanasi Kokkinakis -
- Tennis
28 May 2026
- St Kilda Saints vs Hawthorn Hawks -
- AFL
- QLD Maroons Women vs NSW Blues Women NRL State of Origin Game 3 -
- Rugby League
29 May 2026
- Carlton Blues vs Geelong Cats -
- AFL
Load More
-28065109.jpg)
