- Tickets on sale for North Melbourne's 2026 home matches in Western Australia
- Back-to-back weekends of footy set to take place in Bunbury and Perth
- Thousands of out-of-region visitors expected at Dockers vs Roos clash at Hands Oval
- Bunbury match to deliver significant local tourism benefits, enticing Victorian fans through direct flights to the South West region
- Cook Government diversifying the economy so it remains the strongest in the nation
Western Australia will once again host two North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL home games in June 2026, with tickets now on sale.
The first clash will see the Fremantle Dockers take on the Roos at Hands Oval in Bunbury on Saturday, 6 June 2026.
The clash will bring the AFL back to the South West, where thousands of out-of-region visitors will be encouraged to explore further and experience the region's tourism offerings.
The following weekend, the West Coast Eagles will take on North Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Saturday, 13 June.
North Melbourne's return to WA comes after the 2025 Bunbury match was a resounding success, drawing a sell-out crowd of over 12,000 people to Hands Oval, with thousands of attendees travelling from outside the region.
The South West football community has also reaped significant benefits from the deal, with $5.7 million in upgrades carried out at Hands Oval to meet AFL standards ahead of the 2025 match, complementing the $19.5 million in improvements already completed.
The two matches, which are part of a three-year deal supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, mean the Eagles and Dockers will both play an extra match in their home State.
These games, particularly the fixture in Bunbury, are another example of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy and commitment to a year-round events calendar as part of its plan to grow the State's tourism sector and provide a boost to local jobs and local businesses.
Find out more at nmfc.com.au/western-australia
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The AFL's return to the South West this year was a massive success and it's set to be once again when the Dockers host North Melbourne in Bunbury in a great economic boost for our tourism sector.
"I encourage fans from Victoria to plan their trip now to watch the footy but also travel around the South West as we host back-to-back weekends of elite AFL action showcasing our incredible city and region to the rest of the nation.
"Our government is committed to diversifying the State's economy by attracting regional events that boost tourism, support local businesses and local jobs, and deliver unforgettable experiences for fans."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Footy fans should move fast, because this is a rare and exciting opportunity for Fremantle and North Melbourne supporters to see their favourite players in Bunbury next year.
"Our government has invested significantly in transforming Hands Oval, and it's incredibly exciting to see these upgraded facilities now attracting major AFL fixtures.
"Supporting regional communities is a key priority for our government, and attracting major events like this ensures the benefits of sport and tourism are felt right across Western Australia."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Securing these matches for the South West is a win for WA and highlights the Cook Government's work to grow, attract new visitors, and showcase the best of our State's regions.
"We want more people around Western Australia to be able to experience high level sport and major events where visitors can also engage in the region's unique tourism opportunities."
As stated by Acting South West Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Bunbury will once again be the regional heart of footy, food, and wine next June, and the South West looks forward to welcoming fans from across the country back to this iconic tourism destination.
"The event was an outstanding success this year and I am confident the excitement will be just as strong in 2026, delivering a significant boost to the local economy".
