The new season will kick off across three days, beginning on Friday, March 20, with Williamstown opening its 2026 campaign against Frankston under lights at Kinetic Stadium. The Friday night fixture forms part of a blockbuster opening day, alongside Geelong hosting Essendon at GMHBA Stadium.
Round 1 will also feature several historic moments across the competition. On Saturday, March 21, Tasmania Football Club will play its first-ever VFL match for premiership points, hosting Coburg at North Hobart Oval, after joining the VFL and VFLW competitions on a full-time basis in 2026 as part of its pathway to AFL and AFLW entry.
Saturday will also mark St Kilda’s return to the VFL, with the Saints travelling to Tom Wills Oval to face the GWS Giants — their first appearance in the competition since 1896. Reigning premiers Footscray will unveil their 2025 premiership flag against the Casey Demons at Mission Whitten Oval, while Richmond hosts Southport Sharks at Kinetic Stadium.
The opening round wraps up on Sunday, March 22, with two matches including a rematch between the two competitors in the 2023 VFL Grand Final, between Gold Coast Suns and Werribee, 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 and VFLW seasons will be released in the coming weeks, with further details on Williamstown’s 2026 campaign to be shared with members soon.
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
