Two of the Australian Football League's most prominent clubs, Carlton and Essendon, have faced consequences for their disastrous beginnings to the 2026 season. With a combined total of just two victories, the Blues and Bombers have been removed from prime-time broadcasting slots.
The decision comes as the league prepares to officially announce match schedules for rounds 16 through 22 on Thursday. Neither struggling Victorian club has been allocated a Thursday or Friday night game in this seven-round block, as the AFL has lost patience with their poor performance.
This marks a stark contrast to the same period last year, when Carlton and Essendon featured in ten Thursday and Friday night games combined during the final third of the season. After nine rounds, the Blues sit in 16th place, ahead only of the Bombers in 17th on percentage.
Carlton's Turmoil
Carlton acknowledged the need for change, and earlier this week, head coach Michael Voss resigned after 103 games in charge. The club has also been shaken by the Elijah Hollands scandal during its loss to Collingwood earlier this year. Hollands, who has previously struggled with mental health issues, displayed erratic behaviour before and during the match and is now undergoing treatment.
Carlton, who face the Western Bulldogs this weekend, were last excluded from prime-time slots in the latter half of 2019. According to SEN, Essendon missed out entirely in 2022.
Essendon's Struggles
At Windy Hill, the outlook is similarly bleak, with head coach Brad Scott seemingly under pressure. The situation does not improve this weekend, as the Bombers host in-form Fremantle at Marvel Stadium. Given Essendon's current state, a win over the Dockers would arguably be the upset of the season.
Elsewhere, ladder-leading Sydney Swans have been awarded several lucrative time slots, while Geelong and Brisbane will also feature prominently as the AFL leans on the competition's top-performing teams.
