Geelong will kick off their 2026 VFL season with a blockbuster clash under lights, set to take on Essendon at GMHBA Stadium in Round 1.
The match will be played on Friday, March 20 with the opening bounce at 7.05pm AEDT, set to be the second match on the opening day of the VFL season.
Round 1 will be played across three days, with the Box Hill Hawks and Sydney Swans launching the season at the Kennedy Community Centre, prior to Geelong's clash with the Bombers.
The Cats will be looking to extend their strong form in the first game of a new year, winning four of their last five season openers by an average margin of 39 points.
Their most recent clash against Essendon came in Round 20 last year at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats winning by 14 points in a tight battle.
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.
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
