We are just over a month away from the beginning of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL campaign and the anticipation for the season is steadily building.
It will be a history-making year on several fronts, headlined by Tasmania Football Club playing for premiership points for the first time since winning the AFL’s 19th licence in 2023.
The introduction of the Devils gives the Apple Isle representation in the VFL for the first time since 2008 and marks a landmark moment as the club ramps up preparations for entry into the AFL in 2028.
Meanwhile, St Kilda returns to the VFL as its own entity for the first time since 2000 after its VFL alignment with Sandringham ceased at the end of the 2025 season.
With the fixture released, we’ve picked key games to keep your eye on throughout the 2026 season, varying from rivalry clashes to standalone showpieces which are set to make this campaign another one to remember.
The Devils arrive
Tasmania vs Coburg, Round 1, Saturday March 21, North Hobart Oval
A historic afternoon will take place at North Hobart Oval on Saturday March 23, with Tasmania Football Club playing its first-ever match when it hosts Coburg in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd. Lots of intrigue surrounds the Devils this season as they ramp up preparations ahead of entry into the AFL in 2028. Their first assignment is 2025 riser Coburg, who last season produced its best campaign season in 11 years to only narrowly miss out on finals action. The opening round clash shapes as a golden opportunity for both teams to open their accounts in style with the eyes of the football world locked on this encounter.
Good Friday footy fest
Round 3, Friday April 3
A terrific quartet of matches come your way on Good Friday, which begins at 12:05pm with North Melbourne taking on Carlton at Arden Street Oval prior to their AFL counterparts battling it out in the SuperClash at Marvel Stadium later in the afternoon. The Brisbane Lions will host Sandringham at Brighton Homes Arena and will be looking to extend their Good Friday winning streak having claimed thrilling two and one-point victories over Collingwood over the past two years. Standalone clubs Coburg and Frankston will be looking to draw big crowds in home games the same day. The Lions take on Collingwood at Barry Plant Park from 1:05pm, while the Dolphins welcome Tasmania to Kinetic Stadium from 2:05pm.
Friday night lights for old rivals
Carlton vs Collingwood, Round 4, Friday April 17, IKON Park
The stage is set for a brilliant Friday night battle under lights when bitter rivals Carlton and Collingwood face off at IKON Park. Their only meeting in 2025 was a classic, when the Blues trailed by eight points at three quarter time before kicking the only two majors of the final term to secure a four-point victory. Three of the past five meetings between the sides have been decided by 10 points or less. There is no reason why this one won’t be another thriller.
ANZAC Day showcase
Round 5, Friday April 25
ANZAC Day also features four highly-anticipated matches. Collingwood and Essendon start off the day when they meet at Victoria Park at 12:10pm prior to the AFL clash at the MCG. The Bombers have won two of their past three matches at Victoria Park, with the Magpies triumphant in just two of their past seven matches at the venue since 2024. 2025 finalists Casey Demons and Richmond meet at Casey Fields from 1:05pm, with their AFL counterparts clashing at the MCG the night prior. There are two big matches schedule under lights, with western rivals Williamstown and Werribee facing off at DSV Stadium from 7:05pm, while Tasmania hosts Carlton at Ninja Stadium in what will be the Devils’ first game at the venue.
Grand Final rematch
Southport Sharks vs Footscray Bulldogs, Round 6, Saturday May 2, Fankhauser Reserve
Any Grand Final rematch is a big occasion, and this one is no exception. Particularly if it becomes as nervy as last year’s affair which saw Footscray claim its first premiership since 2016 in a gripping 10-point victory. The Bulldogs could be in some serious form coming into the match, facing only one 2025 finalist across their opening four matches before heading to the Sunshine State. And that’s on the back of winning their last 14 matches last year enroute to the flag. But Southport will be desperate to make amends for their Grand Final defeat, particularly in front of their home crowd.
Box Hill Hawks return home for game 500
Box Hill Hawks vs Collingwood, Round 6, Saturday May 2, Box Hill City Oval
On the same day that last year’s Grand Finalists battle it out up north, a momentous occasion will take place in Melbourne’s east when the Box Hill Hawks return to Box Hill City Oval for the first time since the ground’s redevelopment commenced. Just as importantly, the match will celebrate the club’s 500th VFL appearance since Box Hill and Hawthorn aligned in 2000. Last year’s preliminary finalists only fell in three of their nine matches at the venue in 2025, but one of those was a 17-point defeat to Collingwood in Round 10. However, their most recent match at the ground produced one of their greatest wins – with Bodie Ryan’s goal on the final siren clinching a three-point semi final win over Brisbane Lions. Collingwood doesn’t face a 2025 top-eight side until Round 6 clash, which means they could be in some solid form heading into the Saturday afternoon showdown.
Once aligned…
Sandringham vs St Kilda, Round 7, Sunday May 10, Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval
The only Sunday match scheduled in Victoria in Round 7 sees Sandringham and St Kilda meet for the first time since concluding their 25-season partnership at the end of the 2025 season, making this a must-watch clash. It is sure to draw a big crowd to Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Oval in what could be Sandringham’s biggest drawcard since returning to standalone status. However, the venue will be well-known territory for many Saints players who previously suited up for the Zebras. Both sides will be desperate to claim bragging rights.
Dolphins return to scene of fairytale
Gold Coast Suns vs Frankston, Round 8, Saturday May 16, People First Stadium
Gold Coast Suns and Frankston finally face off again in Round 8, in what will be their first clash since the famous 2024 Wildcard Final at People First Stadium. In case you need reminding of how that played out, Frankston stormed home from 29 points down in the final quarter against the then reigning premier to secure one of the great wins in the club’s history. The Dolphins booted the final five goals, taking the lead at the 29-minute mark courtesy of a long bomb from Tyson Milne. It’s been onwards and upwards for Frankston since, finishing in the top-four last season and reaching the preliminary final for the first time in 28 years, while the Suns missed the finals for the first time since returning to the VFL with a seven-win season. Could we see this match reach the same dramatic heights as their last encounter?
Fierce foes to write new chapter
Port Melbourne vs Williamstown, Round 11, Sunday June 7, ETU Stadium
A rivalry that always captures the attention of VFL fans. Port Melbourne and Williamstown will meet in for the 262nd time when they square off at ETU Stadium in Round 11. The Borough hold a 138-115 lead (with eight draws) and will be looking for payback after the falling at home when the two sides met in 2025. No matter where these two sides are on the ladder, this fixture always serves up something memorable.
Magpies return to Frankston
Frankston vs Collingwood, Round 13, Friday June 19, Kinetic Stadium
When these two sides played at Kinetic Stadium on a Saturday night in Round 18 last year, it drew one of the biggest crowds in recent VFL history. Frankston lifted for the big occasion to romp to a 36-point win in front of their adoring home fans, despite Collingwood’s line-up boasting AFL premiership heroes Jordan De Goey, Bobby Hill, Mason Cox and Billy Frampton. With no AFL football in Melbourne on June 19, another bumper crowd is expected this time around. Given how well the Dolphins have progressed over the past 18 months and the depth the Magpies have at their disposal, this could prove to be an important game in the context of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season.
