The AFL has today confirmed the fixture for Week One of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series.

Saturday August 27
First Qualifying Final, Casey Demons (1st) vs. Sydney Swans (4th)
Casey Fields, 1:10pm AEST
Broadcaster: Seven Network

Second Qualifying Final, Brisbane Lions (2nd) vs. Southport Sharks (3rd)
Moreton Bay Sports Complex, 1:35pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au

Sunday August 28
Second Elimination Final, Collingwood (6th) vs. Carlton (7th)
Victoria Park, 1:10pm AEST
Broadcaster: Seven Network

First Elimination Final, Gold Coast Suns (5th) vs. Box Hill Hawks (8th)
Metricon Stadium, 6:05pm AEST
Broadcaster: AFL.com.au

To thank football fans for their outstanding support throughout the 2022 season, the AFL is pleased to announce that entry to all matches in Week One of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series is free.

Ticket prices in Weeks Two and Three of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series will remain at 2019 prices. For ticketed matches admission prices will be adults $15, concession/pensioners $10 and children under 15 free.

For the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final, admission prices will be adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free.

Seven matches in the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network via Channel 7 and 7plus, including the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final. Viewers outside of Victoria can tune in to Seven’s Smithy’s VFL coverage via 7plus.

This week's Seven Network broadcast matches will be Casey Demons vs. Sydney Swans on Saturday and Collingwood vs. Carlton on Sunday. The match between Casey Demons and Sydney Swans will be broadcast on 7mate in Sydney.

All finals, including the Smithy’s VFL Grand Final, will be streamed live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

AFL Head of State League Competitions Jennie Loughnan said the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series marked an exciting time for the competition.

“We are really looking forward to what is shaping up to be an exciting Smithy’s VFL Finals Series where any team can win,” Loughnan said.

“This year’s premiership will be the first awarded in the Smithy’s VFL since 2019 and we are looking forward to watching the best sides battle it out for this year’s flag.

“Week One of the finals features four great matches and to have two finals played in Queensland brings an exciting new dynamic to our competition and provides the opportunity to take the competition to a wider audience.

“To recognise the tremendous support shown by football fans throughout the 2022 season, we are thrilled to provide free entry into all matches in Week One of the finals.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to acknowledge and thank all clubs, players, umpires, local councils and our broadcast and commercial partners for their tremendous support of the Smithy’s VFL competition throughout the 2022 season.

“We wish all players and clubs the best of luck for the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series.”

The 2022 Smithy’s VFL season featured 21 teams with each team playing 18 matches. Eight teams will contest the four-week finals series culminating in the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final on Sunday September 18.

The last VFL premier was Richmond in 2019, with the 2020 season cancelled and the 2021 season called off during the home-and-away season.

2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series Structure

Week One – Qualifying and Elimination Finals
Saturday August 27 and Sunday August 28
First Qualifying Final: 1st vs. 4th
Second Qualifying Final: 2nd vs. 3rd
First Elimination Final: 5th vs. 8th
Second Elimination Final: 6th vs. 7th

Week Two – Semi Finals
Saturday September 3 and Sunday September 4
First Semi Final: Loser of First Qualifying Final vs. Winner of First Elimination Final
Second Semi Final: Loser of Second Qualifying Final vs. Winner of Second Elimination Final

Week Three – Preliminary Finals 
Saturday September 10 and Sunday September 11
First Preliminary Final: Winner of First Qualifying Final vs. Winner of Second Semi Final 
Second Preliminary Final: Winner of Second Qualifying Final vs. Winner of First Semi Final 

Week Four – Grand Final 
Sunday September 18
Grand Final: Winner of First Preliminary Final vs. Winner of Second Preliminary Final 
(IKON Park, 2:30pm)