Essendon will face Gold Coast and St Kilda ahead of the 2023 season, with the AFL confirming details today.

The Bombers will head north to take on Gold Coast in a match simulation on Thursday, February 23 from 4pm EST at Austworld Centre Oval (Outer Metricon Oval).

The two sides will compete across six quarters, with most of the list travelling to participate.

In an official practice game, Essendon will take on the Saints on Friday, March 3 at RSEA Park from 4:10pm EDT.

Broadcast arrangements for both games will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Pre-season matches

Match Simulation
Gold Coast v Essendon
Thursday, February 23 from 4pm EST
Austworld Centre Oval (Outer Metricon Oval)

Official Practice Match
St Kilda v Essendon
Friday, March 3 from 4:10pm EDT
RSEA Park