North Melbourne will tune up for its 2026 AFLW campaign with an official practice match against Essendon.

The Roos will face the Bombers, who finished 14th last season, at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee on Saturday, July 25 at 10.30am.

The game will be an opportunity for Kangaroos fans to see the club's new names in action, including Abby Favell, who signed on as a replacement player this week for the injured Amy Smith.  

Former No.1 draft pick Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner is among the other new arrivals, along with midfielder Shauna McElligott, ruck Maddison Torpey and Irish defender Sarah Wall.

Fans will be able to watch a live stream of the match on nmfc.com.au, while entry will be free for Kangaroos fans attending the game in person.

The Roos will also take part in three match simulation trainings against Richmond, Collingwood and St Kilda – two in July ahead of their practice match and one in the week following. Dates and times for these sessions will be confirmed later in the pre-season. 

North Melbourne will launch its AFLW premiership defence with a double-header against Geelong at Marvel Stadium in the weekend of August 13-16.

AFLW practice match

North Melbourne v Essendon
Saturday, July 25, 10.30am AEST
Avalon Airport Oval