Why fixture updates happen

AFL and AFLW fixture details are not always locked in for the entire season. Match schedules can shift because of broadcast selections, venue availability, travel requirements, finals qualification, weather disruption, public events, or league decisions made after the original fixture is published.

Most supporters only notice a fixture change when a club posts an announcement or a calendar reminder suddenly feels wrong. Sport to Calendar exists to reduce that problem by packaging fixture information into calendar events that are easy to refresh, re-import, or update.

What fixture information we track

Each calendar event is built around the details that matter most when planning your week:

• Competition: AFL or AFLW.
• Round: the listed round, finals week, or match stage.
• Teams: home and away club names.
• Date and start time: shown as the local match time.
• Venue: the ground or stadium where the match is scheduled.
• Calendar title: a readable event name designed to make sense in day, week, and agenda views.

When fixture details change, the most important fields to refresh are usually the start time, date, and venue. Those are the details most likely to affect travel, viewing plans, reminders, and shared family calendars.

Our update process

Fixture updates are handled with a simple goal: keep the calendar output practical, readable, and aligned with the latest available schedule information.

Downloaded .ics files vs Google Calendar updates

Sport to Calendar supports more than one way to add fixtures, and the update behaviour depends on which method you use.

Downloaded .ics files

A downloaded .ics file is a snapshot of the fixture at the time you download it. This format works well because it is supported by Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and many other apps. However, once the file has been imported, your calendar app may not automatically check Sport to Calendar for later changes.

If the league changes a start time or venue after you imported an .ics file, download a fresh file from Sport to Calendar and import it again. Some calendar apps update matching events cleanly; others may create duplicates depending on how they handle imported calendar identifiers. If duplicates appear, remove the older imported events or import into a dedicated AFL/AFLW calendar that can be cleared and refreshed more easily.

Google Calendar integration

If you use the direct Google Calendar option, Sport to Calendar can add events to your Google Calendar without requiring a manual file import. When fixture details change, return to Sport to Calendar, select the same competition or teams, and run the update again. This helps keep your Google Calendar closer to the current fixture without needing to manage files manually.

When you should refresh your calendar

You do not need to refresh your calendar every day. In most cases, a few well-timed updates are enough. We recommend refreshing:

• after the league publishes a major fixture update;
• when a match is listed as “TBC” and later receives a confirmed date or time;
• before finals, because opponents, venues, and match times depend on ladder position;
• when your club announces a date, time, or venue change;
• at the start of each month during the season if you want a tidy routine.

For casual supporters, refreshing before big games and finals may be enough. For members, frequent match-goers, and families coordinating weekend plans, monthly refreshes are a safer habit.

Known limitations

No fixture calendar can remove every scheduling surprise. Sport to Calendar is a planning aid, not the official league fixture. Before travelling to a match, booking accommodation, or relying on a reminder for an important event, check the latest information from the league, the venue, or your club.

Calendar apps also behave differently. Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and mobile calendar apps each handle imported files, duplicate events, time zones, and reminders in their own way. Sport to Calendar aims to provide clean, standard calendar data, but the final display can vary slightly depending on your app and device settings.

Fixture update FAQ

Will my calendar update automatically?

Downloaded .ics files generally do not update automatically after import. Download a new file when fixture details change. If you use the Google Calendar integration, return to Sport to Calendar and run the update again.

What happens if a match is postponed?

If a match is postponed and a new date or time is confirmed, the updated fixture can be reflected in a refreshed calendar file or Google Calendar update. If the replacement details are not yet confirmed, the calendar may temporarily show the most recent available information.

Can I avoid duplicate events?

The cleanest method is to keep sports fixtures in a separate calendar. If your app creates duplicates after re-importing an .ics file, you can clear that dedicated calendar and import the latest file again.

Are finals included?

Finals can be included when the match-ups and schedule are available. Because finals depend on ladder position and week-by-week results, they are more likely to require refreshing than regular-season games.

Last updated: 25 July 2026. This page explains the general update process for Sport to Calendar fixture pages and downloadable calendar files.