The AFL season is one of the most exciting times of the year for Australian sports fans, and keeping track of when and where to catch all the action can be a challenge. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of your local team or a casual viewer, having a reliable AFL TV guide is essential for making sure you don’t miss a single moment of the fast-paced, high-energy footy matches.
In this comprehensive AFL TV guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about watching the Australian Football League, including TV channels, streaming options, game times, and tips to make sure you’re always in the loop.
Why You Need an AFL TV Guide
With so many games spread across the season, it can be easy to lose track of when your favorite team is playing. The AFL TV guide gives you the power to plan your weekends and weeknights around the games that matter most to you. Whether you’re following the competition from the couch or watching it on-the-go, the guide ensures that you can enjoy every key moment.
Additionally, understanding the various channels and streaming platforms that broadcast AFL matches allows you to choose the best viewing experience. Some games might be available on free-to-air TV, while others are exclusive to paid streaming services. Knowing where to find these broadcasts in advance will save you from last-minute scrambling to figure out the game schedule.
Where to Watch AFL in AU
Australia offers a variety of ways to watch AFL games, both on TV and through streaming services. The key to making the most of your AFL TV guide is understanding which platforms you can access, depending on your preferences.
Free-to-Air Channels
If you’re after a no-cost way to watch the AFL, free-to-air television is your go-to. The main broadcasters for AFL in Australia are:
- Seven Network: Seven holds the rights to broadcast AFL games across multiple states, showing a variety of matchups, including marquee games and the finals. If you’re located in Victoria, New South Wales, or Queensland, Seven is your best bet for catching AFL matches without the need for a subscription.
- Channel 7’s 7plus Streaming Service: For those who prefer to stream games on their smart devices or computers, 7plus is a great option. It’s a free streaming platform offering live broadcasts of AFL matches along with highlights and other footy-related content.
Paid TV Options
- Foxtel: Foxtel offers extensive coverage of the AFL season, with all games available on one of its many channels. Whether you’re watching on cable or using their internet streaming service, Foxtel ensures that you’re never far from the action.
- Kayo Sports: Kayo is a popular option for AFL fans in Australia who prefer streaming. This service provides access to all AFL games, plus on-demand content, making it a great choice for people who want to watch footy at their convenience. Kayo also offers unique features like split-view and key moments, which enhance the viewing experience.
Streaming Options for Mobile and Online
- AFL Live Official App: For the ultimate flexibility, the AFL Live app is available for iOS and Android. This app offers live streaming of AFL games, along with scores, stats, and player highlights. It’s perfect for catching games while on the move.
- Telstra TV: If you’re a Telstra customer, you can access exclusive streaming services, including AFL match broadcasts, on Telstra TV. It’s another great option for mobile and streaming devices that lets you follow your team wherever you are.
Key Game Times to Keep in Your AFL TV Guide
With the AFL season running from March to September, there are plenty of games to keep track of. Here’s an overview of typical AFL match times, so you can plan your weekend around the action:
Friday Night Footy
- Game Time: 7:50 PM (local time)
- The Friday night match is one of the most anticipated games of the week. Often, it features some of the league’s biggest teams, so it’s a great opportunity to kick off the weekend in style. Make sure to check your AFL TV guide to catch these thrilling clashes.
Saturday Afternoon and Night Games
- Afternoon Games: 1:45 PM or 2:10 PM (local time)
- Night Games: 7:25 PM (local time)
- Saturday is packed with games, often featuring multiple matches across the day. The afternoon games typically start early, while the evening matchups are prime-time fixtures. Don’t forget to check the AFL TV guide to find out what’s on during the day and evening.
Sunday Football
- Game Time: 3:20 PM and 4:40 PM (local time)
- Sundays are typically reserved for the final matches of the round. These games are perfect for a leisurely day at home, catching up on the footy after a busy week. The second game on Sunday, in particular, tends to be filled with high-stakes drama, especially in the lead-up to finals.
How to Customize Your AFL TV Guide
For those who only care about certain teams or specific matchups, customizing your AFL TV guide is a great way to ensure you never miss a game. Here are a few tips for personalizing your viewing experience:
- Set Reminders: Many TV and streaming services allow you to set reminders for upcoming games. This feature ensures that you’ll receive a notification ahead of time, giving you plenty of notice to get ready for the match.
- Follow Your Team’s Schedule: Most teams have dedicated websites or social media pages where you can find their game schedules. Cross-reference this with your AFL TV guide to ensure you never miss one of your team’s games.
- Use a Digital Calendar: Another easy method is to add the game times to your digital calendar. This way, the matches you’re interested in will automatically sync with your device’s calendar, so you don’t have to rely on remembering dates.
Tips for the Best AFL Viewing Experience
Now that you know where and when to watch the AFL, here are some extra tips to help you enjoy the season even more:
- Watch with Friends: AFL games are a communal experience. Gather your mates, throw a few snags on the BBQ, and enjoy the game together. Many fans find the experience more enjoyable when shared.
- Interactive Features: If you’re streaming through Kayo or another service with interactive features, make sure to make use of options like split-view, key moments, and player tracking. These can give you a more immersive viewing experience.
- Don’t Forget the Replays: If you miss a live match, make sure to check out the replays available on your AFL TV guide platform. Both Foxtel and Kayo offer replays of games, so you can catch up later if life gets in the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFL TV guide?
The AFL TV guide provides a comprehensive schedule of Australian Football League games, including match times, broadcasting channels, and streaming options. It helps fans stay up to date with when and where to watch their favorite teams play.
Where can I watch AFL games in Australia?
AFL games are broadcast on various platforms, including free-to-air channels like Channel Seven, as well as paid options such as Foxtel and Kayo Sports. You can also stream games through the AFL Live App and Telstra TV.
Are all AFL games available for free?
No, not all AFL games are available for free. While major games, including Friday Night Footy, are often broadcast on free-to-air television (Channel Seven), some games are only available through paid services like Foxtel or Kayo Sports.
Can I stream AFL games online?
Yes, AFL games can be streamed online via platforms like Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, and 7plus. The AFL Live Official App also offers live streaming for iOS and Android users.
What is the best way to watch AFL on TV?
The best way to watch AFL on TV depends on your preferences. Free-to-air channels like Channel Seven provide access to major games, while Foxtel and Kayo Sports offer extensive coverage. If you’re a fan of flexibility, streaming services like Kayo or AFL Live App might be more suitable.
How do I know when my favorite team is playing?
To keep track of when your favorite team is playing, refer to the AFL TV guide, team websites, or AFL team social media pages. Many platforms also allow you to set reminders for specific games.
Are there any special features for watching AFL on streaming services?
Yes, streaming services like Kayo Sports offer interactive features such as split-view, key moments, and player tracking. These features enhance the viewing experience by allowing you to focus on multiple games or key players at once.
Can I watch AFL games on my mobile device?
Yes, you can watch AFL games on your mobile device through streaming services like Kayo Sports, AFL Live App, and Telstra TV. These apps allow you to watch games live or on-demand while on the go.
How can I catch up on missed AFL games?
If you miss a live game, you can catch up on replays available through services like Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and 7plus. These platforms typically offer on-demand access to all AFL games after they’ve aired live.
Is there an AFL TV guide app?
While there isn’t a dedicated AFL TV guide app, the AFL Live App offers match schedules, scores, stats, and live streaming. You can use this app to keep track of upcoming games and access a full rundown of your team’s schedule.
Conclusion
The AFL season brings with it incredible excitement, but to get the most out of it, you need a reliable AFL TV guide. By understanding where and when to watch your favorite teams and learning how to personalize your schedule, you can ensure that you’re always in front of the screen when the action heats up. Whether you’re tuning in via free-to-air channels, streaming services, or mobile apps, the AFL TV guide is your ticket to enjoying every moment of the season.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes to check your AFL TV guide now, set your reminders, and get ready for another thrilling season of footy!
