North Melbourne's tune-up matches for the 2026 AFLW campaign have been confirmed. 

The Kangaroos will play an official practice match against Essendon 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. 

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

Match simulations

Richmond v North Melbourne
Wednesday, July 8, 11.45am AEST
Waverley Park

North Melbourne v Collingwood
Saturday, July 18, 10.30am AEST
Arden St Oval

St Kilda v North Melbourne
Saturday, August 1, 1pm AEST
RSEA Stadium