The debut of two new clubs and unveiling of a new venue will headline the opening round of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season.
Round 1 will be played across three days, with the Box Hill Hawks and Sydney Swans launching the season when they meet on Friday, March 20 at the Kennedy Community Centre, the new home of the Hawthorn Football Club.
It is one of three matches on the opening day of the 2026 season, with Geelong hosting Essendon at GMHBA Stadium and Frankston taking on Williamstown at Kinetic Stadium on Friday night.
In a landmark occasion, Tasmania Football Club will play its first match for competition points when it hosts Coburg at North Hobart Oval on Saturday, March 21.
As announced last September, Tasmania will join the VFL and VFLW competitions on a full-time basis this season as the club continues preparations for entry into the AFL and AFLW after being awarded the 19th licence in 2023.
St Kilda marks its return to the VFL on the same day when it travels to Tom Wills Oval to take on the GWS Giants. The Saints last featured in the VFA/VFL in 2000.
Saturday’s action will also see reigning premier Footscray unveil its 2025 premiership flag against the Casey Demons at Mission Whitten Oval, while Richmond will host Southport Sharks at Kinetic Stadium.
Two games are scheduled for Sunday, March 22, including a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final when the Gold Coast Suns and Werribee meet at People First Stadium.
Meanwhile, Sandringham’s first match since returning to standalone status will see the Zebras host Port Melbourne at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
Full fixtures for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season and 2026 VFLW season will be released in coming weeks.
Smithy’s VFL Round 1
Friday, March 20
Box Hill Hawks vs Sydney Swans – Kennedy Community Centre, 12:35pm
Geelong Cats vs Essendon – GMHBA Stadium, 7:05pm
Frankston vs Williamstown – Kinetic Stadium, 7:35pm
Saturday, March 21
GWS Giants vs St Kilda – Tom Wills Oval, 11:05am
Richmond vs Southport Sharks – Kinetic Stadium, 12:05pm
Tasmania vs Coburg – North Hobart Oval, 1:05pm
Footscray Bulldogs vs Casey Demons – Mission Whitten Oval, 2:05pm
Sunday, March 22
Gold Coast Suns vs Werribee – People First Stadium, 11:05am
Sandringham vs Port Melbourne – Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, 2:05pm
Bye: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne
*All times local
