VFL fixture analysis: Standalone clubs receive plenty of chances to bond

VICTORIA’s six standalone clubs will get the opportunity to experience the bonding advantages of interstate travel after they were handed similar tasks in the VFL fixture released last week.

All of Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Werribee and Williamstown will fly out three times for the season, with all being given two trips to Queensland and one to Sydney.

The Borough has the chance to right the horror Round 1 trip to Aspley that derailed their 2021 season when they head to Sydney to face GWS in the opening round, while they will be joined at the airport by the Bullants, who are heading to Gold Coast to meet the Suns first up before later trips to Sydney and Brisbane.

Port will also travel to play the Lions and Suns later in the season, but the one that many supporters will circle in the fixture will be its first home game at ETU Stadium in Round 3 – a meeting with the AFL club many of its fans also follow – Sydney – for the first time since 1896.

Coburg has the bye in Round 1 but will want to bank early wins if it is to return to finals action for the first time in more than a decade, with a nightmare last month of the season that includes away games against three of last year’s top four in Footscray, Southport and Geelong.

The boys from Piranha Park also travel to GWS and Brisbane in their first six weeks and have nominally the second hardest fixture to negotiate – and would also be disappointed to miss out on a chance at revenge against the Bullants, with no Battle of Bell Street in this year’s draw.

Frankston has the chance for a good start, drawing its first two games (Werribee and GWS) and three of its first four at home and avoiding a clash with Footscray, but faces a challenging period with three consecutive interstate away games to Southport, Gold Coast and Sydney in Rounds 14, 16 and 18.

Werribee’s interstate sojourns will take the Tigers to Gold Coast, GWS and Brisbane while Williamstown heads to Southport, Brisbane and Sydney.

Victorian-based fans of interstate clubs will also get plenty of opportunities to see their teams in action, with Southport travelling to Melbourne for all eight of its flights – meaning no trip to NSW for the first time since before the NEAFL was formed in 2010.

The Swans will also be in Melbourne eight times, starting with a daunting task against minor premiers Footscray at Whitten Oval in Round 1 – although they did jump the Bulldogs last year and led by seven goals there before being overrun.

Old Fitzroy fans will see their Lions in Melbourne six times, while Gold Coast has seven trips to Victoria and GWS six.

The year kicks off with two late Friday afternoon games – Sydney’s clash with the Bulldogs will launch the season at 4.35pm on Friday, March 25, with Carlton to host the Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park half an hour later.

The Bullants clash with the Suns and Geelong hosts Essendon on Saturday afternoon before Frankston welcomes Werribee on Saturday night, with five games set down for Sunday – Richmond v Southport, Collingwood v Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons v Sandringham, GWS v Port Melbourne and North Melbourne v Williamstown – all with staggered starting times to give VFL fans the ultimate day of watching footy.

The Magpies v Hawks match, originally set down for the Holden Centre on Sunday, March 27, was relocated to Victoria Park on Tuesday.

There will be no double-up matches in 2022, meaning the time-honoured Johnson-Callahan Cup clash between Port Melbourne and Williamstown will only take place once this year – with the Borough winning the right to host in Round 11, while the Sydney Derby, QClash and Coast Clash will also only happen once.

Using a system rating the fixtures of each team whereby a trip to top team Footscray is the hardest and a home game against bottom club Port Melbourne (after Aspley’s withdrawal) the easiest – and double points for interstate trips – Essendon came up with nominally the most challenging draw.

While the Bombers only travel interstate twice, those trips are to top-eight clubs Southport and GWS, while they have a nightmare start with away games against Geelong and Casey in the first two rounds and trips to Footscray and Williamstown mid-season.

Collingwood has the friendliest fixture on paper if it can bank wins in challenging home games against Box Hill and Geelong first up, avoiding visits to all seven of the teams that joined it in last year’s top eight, with Werribee (ninth) being the Magpies’ highest-ranked away opponent and their only interstate trip being to face the Swans in Round 21.

Here is a full analysis of the fixture for your club.

Difficulty score – 0.5 points per ladder position when playing home v interstate, 1 point home same state, 1.5 away same state, 2 points away interstate. Lowest score is the hardest

2021 Record: 8-2 (3^rd)
Fixture: Collingwood (A), Carlton (H), Sandringham (H), bye, Coburg (A), Casey Demons (H), Essendon (A), Richmond (H), bye, Gold Coast (A), North Melbourne (A), Port Melbourne (H), bye, Footscray (A), GWS (A), Southport (H), Werribee (H), Northern Bullants (A), bye, Frankston (A), Geelong (H), Sydney (H)
Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Williamstown
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1
Summary: It’s always a great game against Williamstown, so the Hawks will be disappointed that is not in the fixture, but they have a great chance to fly out of the blocks with four games they will expect to win off the top. Just two interstate trips and home games against Casey and Geelong are positives. Their biggest challenge looms from rounds 14-17 with Footscray, GWS (both away), Southport and Werribee (both home).
Difficulty Score: 243 (ranked equal 11^th) 108 R1-11, 135 R12-22; 67.5 R1-6, 40.5 R7-11, 83.5 R12-17, 51.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 3-7 (17^th)
Fixture: Carlton (A), North Melbourne (H), Geelong (A), bye, Port Melbourne (H), Sydney (A), Coburg (H), bye, Williamstown (H), Southport (A), Northern Bullants (H), Frankston (A), bye, Collingwood (A), Footscray (H), bye, GWS (A), Gold Coast (H), Richmond (A), Werribee (H), Sandringham (A), Casey Demons (H)
Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Essendon
Interstate Trips: NSW 2, Victoria 6
Summary: Victorian-based supporters will get to see the Lions six times in 2022, starting with Carlton in round one. Those games are all over the league from Frankston to Geelong and evenly spread with two early, two in the middle and two late. They have to travel to Fankhauser Reserve – where they copped two 18-goal hidings last year, but will host the QClash against the Suns and don’t have to go to Footscray, Box Hill, Casey or Williamstown.

Difficulty Score: 264.5 (ranked equal 4^th) 109 R1-11, 155.5 R12-22; 66 R1-6, 43 R7-11, 92.5 R12-17, 63 R18-22

2021 Record: 4-5 (12^th)
Fixture: Brisbane Lions (H), Box Hill Hawks (A), Gold Coast (A), Richmond (H), Werribee (A), North Melbourne (H), Frankston (A), bye, Sandringham (H), Northern Bullants (A), bye, Essendon (A), Footscray (H), Coburg (H), bye, Port Melbourne (A), Geelong (H), GWS (H), Williamstown (A), bye, Casey Demons (A), Collingwood (H)
Doesn’t Play: Southport, Sydney
Interstate Trips: Queensland 1
Summary: Round one brings fond memories of their early blitzkrieg against Brisbane last year, and they will be desperate to win with trips to Box Hill, Gold Coast, Werribee and Frankston in the first seven rounds. Avoids Southport after their thrilling loss last year and doesn’t have to go to Footscray or Geelong. A home showdown with Collingwood in the last round could have all sorts of subplots attached.
Difficulty Score: 238.5 (ranked 15^th) 117.5 R1-11, 121 R12-22; 84.5 R1-6, 33 R7-11, 49.5 R12-17, 71.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 7-2 (5^th)
Fixture: Sandringham (H), Essendon (H), Williamstown (A), Coburg (H), Richmond (A), Box Hill Hawks (A), Southport (H), North Melbourne (A), bye, Frankston (A), Sydney (H), Collingwood (H), bye, Gold Coast (A), Port Melbourne (H), Geelong (A), bye, Footscray (A), Northern Bullants (H), bye, Carlton (H), Brisbane Lions (A)
Doesn’t Play: GWS, Werribee
Interstate Trips: Queensland 2
Summary: Two home games give the Demons a chance to hit the ground running before a tough challenge against Williamstown away. The second half of the season features two trips to Queensland, plus Footscray and Geelong, as well as three byes, so they wouldn’t want to miss out on banking those vital early wins. They don’t get a shot at revenge against the GWS team that ended their undefeated run last year.
Difficulty Score: 240.5 (ranked 14^th) 126 R1-11, 114.5 R12-22; 86 R1-6, 40 R7-11, 59 R12-17, 55.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 3-7 (16^th)
Fixture: bye, Port Melbourne (H), GWS (A), Casey Demons (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), Collingwood (H), Brisbane Lions (A), bye, Sydney (H), Essendon (A), Frankston (H), bye, Richmond (H), Carlton (A), Gold Coast (H), Werribee (A), Sandringham (H), bye, Geelong (A), Footscray (A), North Melbourne (H), Southport (A)
Doesn’t Play: Northern Bullants, Williamstown
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: The Lions have to cool their heels for an extra week with the opening round bye, but their fans are rewarded with a likely big crowd for Port Melbourne. They can’t afford to lose that, however, with five extremely tough games including two interstate trips to follow before their next bye. A nightmare finish as well, with away games against Geelong, Footscray and Southport inside the last month, so they will need to be well and truly locked into the eight early. Won’t be happy to miss out on a Battle of Bell Street after their heartstopping one-point loss last year.
Difficulty Score: 279 (ranked 2^nd) 115 R1-11, 164 R12-22; 88.5 R1-6, 26.5 R7-11, 58.5 R12-17, 105.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 6-3 (7^th)
Fixture: Box Hill Hawks (H), Geelong (H), Northern Bullants (A), GWS (H), Essendon (A), Coburg (A), bye, Footscray (H), bye, Werribee (A), Gold Coast (H), Casey Demons (A), bye, Brisbane Lions (H), Richmond (A), North Melbourne (H), Port Melbourne (A), bye, Southport (H), Williamstown (H), Sydney (A), Carlton (A)
Doesn’t Play: Frankston, Sandringham
Interstate Trips: NSW 1
Summary: Statistically the easiest fixture, with only one interstate trip (Sydney, round 21) and Casey being the only top-eight team given a home game against the Magpies. They will be in good shape if they can get past gun teams Box Hill and Geelong in the first two weeks, while the Southport, Williamstown, Sydney (away), Carlton quaddie to finish could be a banana peel.
Difficulty Score: 206.5 (ranked 21^st) 106.5 R1-11, 100 R12-22; 62 R1-16, 44.5 R7-11, 53 R12-17, 47 R18-22

2021 Record: 2-8 (20^th)
Fixture: Geelong (A), Casey Demons (A), Frankston (H), Port Melbourne (A), Collingwood (H), Footscray (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), bye, Richmond (A), Coburg (H), bye, Carlton (H), Sandringham (A), Williamstown (A), Sydney (H), bye, Gold Coast (H), Southport (A), North Melbourne (H), GWS (A), Werribee (H), bye
Doesn’t Play: Brisbane Lions, Northern Bullants
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1
Summary: Statistically the toughest fixture by some distance, and it starts right off the top with trips to the Cattery and Casey Fields. The Bombers’ two interstate trips are to the highest-finishing clubs in Southport and GWS, while they also go to Whitten Oval. The middle of the season looms as critical with Williamstown the only 2021 top-eight team in their way from rounds 8-17.
Difficulty Score: 295 (ranked 1^st) 154 R1-11, 141 R12-22; 112.5 R1-6, 41.5 R7-11, 53 R12-17, 88 R18-22

2021 Record: 10-0 (1^st)
Fixture: Sydney (H), Northern Bullants (H), Richmond (A), North Melbourne (A), Southport (H), Essendon (H), bye, Collingwood (A), Gold Coast (H), Williamstown (A), Geelong (H), bye, Carlton (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), Brisbane Lions (A), Sandringham (A), bye, Casey Demons (H), Werribee (A), Coburg (H), bye, GWS (A)
Doesn’t Play: Frankston, Port Melbourne
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1
Summary: Will be a short price to extend their 18-match home-and-away winning streak beyond 20 with home games against both red-and-white teams to start, while they will have circled Richmond (round three) and Southport (round five) in the fixture. Williamstown (6^th) is the highest-ranked team they must travel to, with home games against all of the Sharks, Box Hill, Geelong and Casey. Only two interstate trips (Lions and Giants) is another positive for the all-conquering Bulldogs.
Difficulty Score: 241 (ranked 13^th) 113 R1-11, 128 R12-22; 44.5 R1-6, 68.5 R7-11, 57.5 R12-17, 70.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 6-5 (10^th)
Fixture: Werribee (H), GWS (H), Essendon (A), bye, North Melbourne (H), Sandringham (A), Carlton (H), Williamstown (A), bye, Casey Demons (H), Coburg (A), Brisbane Lions (H), bye, Southport (A), Geelong (H), Gold Coast (A), Northern Bullants (H), Sydney (A), bye, Box Hill Hawks (H), Port Melbourne (A), Richmond (A)
Doesn’t Play: Collingwood, Footscray
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: Two home games under lights gives the Dolphins a perfect chance for a flying start, while they will get an early chance to avenge the result that cost a top-eight finish last year at Windy Hill. They don’t have to play Footscray (which they have never beaten) or Collingwood (eight-year drought). Does have to go to Southport among three interstate trips, but gets to host top teams Box Hill, Geelong and Casey. Two away games to finish could be the testing material if they are fighting for a finals berth late.
Difficulty Score: 223 (ranked 20^th) 103.5 R1-11, 119.5 R12-22; 43.5 R1-6, 60 R7-11, 76.5 R12-17, 43 R18-22

2021 Record: 7-2 (4^th)
Fixture: Essendon (H), Collingwood (A), Brisbane Lions (H), Southport (A), bye, Williamstown (H), North Melbourne (A), bye, Northern Bullants (A), GWS (H), Footscray (A), bye, Werribee (A), Richmond (H), Frankston (A), Casey Demons (H), Carlton (A), bye, Coburg (H), Sandringham (H), Box Hill Hawks (A), Port Melbourne (H)
Doesn’t Play: Gold Coast, Sydney
Interstate Trips: Queensland 1
Summary: Another team lucky enough to only receive one interstate trip, although it is the toughest one against Southport. The challenges for the Cats are closer to home, with away games against Footscray and Box Hill, plus the dangerous Werribee and much-improved Frankston. Statistically one of the more difficult fixtures, but they will be confident of handling it well.

Difficulty Score: 263 (ranked 6^th) 138 R1-11, 125 R12-22; 83 R1-6, 55 R7-11, 80.5 R12-17, 44.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 4-6 (14^th)
Fixture: Northern Bullants (H), Sydney (A), Carlton (H), Sandringham (A), bye, Werribee (H), Williamstown (A), bye, Footscray (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), Collingwood (A), bye, GWS (H), Casey Demons (H), Coburg (A), Frankston (H), Essendon (A), Brisbane Lions (A), Port Melbourne (H), bye, Southport (H), North Melbourne (A)
Doesn’t Play: Geelong, Richmond
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Victoria 7
Summary: Will be looking to hit the ground running with statistically the friendliest start to the year – not playing a team who finished above 13^th in the first five weeks. There could be trouble if they don’t take advantage of that, with a run of seven games in a row against opponents who were in the top nine, including consecutive trips to Williamstown and Footscray. No game against Geelong is another bonus. They will host the Coast Clash, but not the QClash.
Difficulty Score: 235 (ranked equal 17^th) 153 R1-11, 82 R12-22; 39.5 R1-6, 113.5 R7-11, 37.5 R12-17, 44.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 7-4 (8^th)
Fixture: Port Melbourne (H), Frankston (A), Coburg (H), Collingwood (A), Sandringham (H), Northern Bullants (A), bye, Southport (A), Werribee (H), Geelong (A), bye, North Melbourne (H), Gold Coast (A), bye, Box Hill Hawks (H), Williamstown (A), Brisbane Lions (H), Carlton (A), Sydney (A), Essendon (H), bye, Footscray (H)
Doesn’t Play: Casey Demons, Richmond
Interstate Trips: Queensland 2, Victoria 6
Summary: Will be confident of a strong start to the season, given their record last year of beating teams others couldn’t in Southport and Casey (away). That victory over the Demons (who they don’t play this year) should tell the Giants they needn’t fear any trip, which will be valuable away to the Sharks, Geelong, Williamstown and Frankston. Missed out on a home Sydney Derby and have a dangerous finish to the year with a bye and Footscray in the last two rounds.
Difficulty Score: 257.5 (ranked equal 8^th) 144.5 R1-11, 113 R12-22; 70 R1-6, 74.5 R7-11, 75.5 R12-17, 37.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 4-6 (15^th)
Fixture: Williamstown (H), Brisbane Lions (A), bye, Footscray (H), Frankston (A), Carlton (A), Geelong (H), Casey Demons (H), bye, Sandringham (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), GWS (A), bye, Northern Bullants (H), Werribee (A), Collingwood (A), Richmond (H), bye, Essendon (A), Sydney (H), Coburg (A), Gold Coast (H)
Doesn’t Play: Port Melbourne, Southport
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 1
Summary: Finals could be on the agenda if the Kangaroos can put themselves in reasonable position before their run home – they don’t play a team that finished above 14^th in their last five games. Don’t have to play Southport, the 2021 highest-ranked opponent they have to play away is Collingwood (7^th) and they have just two interstate trips, one of which will be out of the way in round two.
Difficulty Score: 243 (ranked equal 11^th) 147.5 R1-11, 95.5 R12-22; 80 R1-6, 67.5 R7-11, 78 R12-17. 17.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 3-7 (18^th)
Fixture: Gold Coast (A), Footscray (A), Collingwood (H), Sydney (A), bye, GWS (H), Sandringham (A), Port Melbourne (H), Geelong (H), Carlton (H), Brisbane Lions (A), bye, Southport (H), North Melbourne (A), Williamstown (H), bye, Frankston (A), Box Hill Hawks (H), Casey Demons (A), Richmond (H), bye, Werribee (A)
Doesn’t Play: Coburg, Essendon
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: Will join Port Melbourne at the airport for their season opener, albeit on a different flight, and cops Footscray away in round two. A second interstate trip inside the four weeks also beckons, while they can reward their fans with three consecutive home games from rounds 8-10, while they also host stronger drawing teams in Collingwood, Port Melbourne and Williamstown. The absence of a Battle of Bell Street in the fixture would be the biggest disappointment.
Difficulty Score: 257.5 (ranked equal 8^th) 128 R1-11, 129.5 R12-22; 75.5 R1-6, 52.5 R7-11, 54.5 R12-17, 75 R18-22

2021 Record: 1-8 (21^st)
Fixture: GWS (A), Coburg (A), Sydney (H), Essendon (H), Brisbane Lions (A), bye, Richmond (H), Northern Bullants (A), Southport (H), bye, Williamstown (H), Box Hill Hawks (A), bye, Werribee (H), Casey Demons (A), Carlton (H), Collingwood (H), Sandringham (A), Gold Coast (A), bye, Frankston (H), Geelong (A)
Doesn’t Play: Footscray, North Melbourne
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: Starts interstate again in round one and will be desperate to avoid the mugging they copped from Aspley last year against the Giants. Doesn’t get home until round three, when they play a team with a large percentage of crossover supporters in Sydney. Avoided a clash with high-flying Footscray and won the chance to host the only Johnson-Callahan Cup clash for the season against Williamstown. Wouldn’t want to be relying on a round 22 win to make the finals – a trip to the Cattery.
Difficulty Score: 254 (ranked 10^th) 93.5 R1-11, 160.5 R12-22; 50.5 R1-6, 43 R7-11, 92 R12-17, 68.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 4-5-1 (11^th)
Fixture: Southport (H), Sandringham (A), Footscray (H), Carlton (A), Casey Demons (H), bye, Port Melbourne (A), Box Hill Hawks (A), Essendon (H), Sydney (A), bye, Werribee (H), Coburg (A), Geelong (A), Collingwood (H), bye, North Melbourne (A), Williamstown (H), Brisbane Lions (H), Northern Bullants (A), bye, Frankston (H)
Doesn’t Play: Gold Coast, GWS
Interstate Trips: NSW 1
Summary: Just the one interstate trip is a good result for the Tigers, who will get a good indication of their hopes early with games against Southport and Footscray. A fluctuating but overall friendly fixture, with rounds 7-11 giving them a chance to consolidate and 18-22 a good chance to finish strongly heading into the finals.
Difficulty Score: 228 (ranked 19^th) 114.5 R1-11, 113.5 R12-22; 76.5 R1-6, 38 R7-11, 74.5 R12-17, 39 R18-22

2021 Record: 4-5 (13^th)
Fixture: Casey Demons (A), Richmond (H), Box Hill Hawks (A), Gold Coast (H), GWS (A), Frankston (H), Northern Bullants (H), bye, Carlton (A), North Melbourne (H), bye, Southport (A), Essendon (H), Sydney (A), bye, Footscray (H), Coburg (A), Port Melbourne (H), bye, Geelong (A), Brisbane Lions (H), Williamstown (A)
Doesn’t Play: Collingwood, Werribee
Interstate Trips: NSW 2, Queensland 1
Summary: A potential nightmare start to the season for the Zebras, with their first three away games being at Casey, Box Hill and GWS. Need to make hay from rounds 7-11 before things get tough again. Southport is among their away games, and there could be much friendlier finishes than trips to Geelong and Williamstown in the last three weeks.
Difficulty Score: 275.5 (ranked 3^rd) 135 R1-11, 140.5 R12-22; 109 R1-6, 26 R7-11, 78 R12-17, 62.5 R18-22

2021 Record: 9-1 (2^nd)
Fixture: Richmond (A), Williamstown (H), Werribee (A), Geelong (H), Footscray (A), bye, Casey Demons (A), GWS (H), Port Melbourne (A), Brisbane Lions (H), bye, Sandringham (H), Northern Bullants (A), Frankston (H), bye, Box Hill Hawks (A), Sydney (H), Essendon (H), Collingwood (A), bye, Gold Coast (A), Coburg (H)
Doesn’t Play: Carlton, North Melbourne
Interstate Trips: Victoria 8
Summary: The Sharks are looking forward to testing themselves against the competition’s top teams after missing out on most of them in their remarkable debut season. It starts with a trip to Richmond, with Victorian trips also scheduled for the fortresses of Footscray, Casey, Box Hill and Werribee. If they are in good shape at round 16, they’ll have the chance to fly home. Interestingly will not travel to Sydney for the first time since the creation of the NEAFL more than a decade ago.
Difficulty Score: 259 (ranked 7^th) 155 R1-11, 104 R12-22; 107 R1-6, 48 R7-11, 58 R12-17, 46 R18-22

2021 Record: 2-8 (19^th)
Fixture: Footscray (A), Gold Coast (H), Port Melbourne (A), Northern Bullants (H), bye, Brisbane Lions (H), Werribee (A), bye, Coburg (A), Richmond (H), Casey Demons (A), bye, Williamstown (H), Sandringham (H), Essendon (A), bye, Southport (A), Frankston (H), GWS (H), North Melbourne (A), Collingwood (H), Box Hill Hawks (A)
Doesn’t Play: Carlton, Geelong
Interstate Trips: Queensland 1, Victoria 8
Summary: Victorian fans will be delighted to see the Swans eight times in 2022, including a mouthwatering game against a club they have always been closely linked to in Port Melbourne. Otherwise, the fixture is tough with away games against Footscray first up, Southport, Box Hill and Casey. Will host the only Sydney Derby against the Giants.
Difficulty Score: 264.5 (ranked equal 4^th) 128.5 R1-11, 136 R12-22; 51 R1-6, 77.5 R7-11, 56.5 R12-17, R18-22 79.5

2021 Record: 5-4 (9^th)
Fixture: Frankston (A), bye, Southport (H), Williamstown (A), Carlton (H), Gold Coast (A), Sydney (H), bye, GWS (A), Collingwood (H), bye, Richmond (A), Geelong (H), Port Melbourne (A), North Melbourne (H), Coburg (H), Box Hill Hawks (A), bye, Footscray (H), Brisbane Lions (A), Essendon (A), Northern Bullants (H)
Doesn’t Play: Casey Demons, Sandringham
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: Not much to be disappointed about, although it is a very difficult start with trips to Frankston and Williamstown and a home game against 2021 revelation Southport in the first four rounds. Avoided trips to top-four teams Footscray, the Sharks and Geelong and doesn’t play Casey (fifth) at all. Won’t play Sandringham for a third consecutive year.
Difficulty Score: 238 (ranked 16^th) 122.5 R1-11, 115.5 R12-22; 78 R1-6, 44.5 R7-11, 77.5 R12-17, 38 R18-22

2021 Record: 6-2-1 (6^th)
Fixture: North Melbourne (A), Southport (A), Casey Demons (H), Werribee (H), bye, Geelong (A), Gold Coast (H), Frankston (H), Brisbane Lions (A), Footscray (H), Port Melbourne (A), bye, Sydney (A), Essendon (H), Northern Bullants (A), GWS (H), bye, Richmond (A), Carlton (H), Collingwood (A), bye, Sandringham (H)
Doesn’t Play: Box Hill Hawks, Coburg
Interstate Trips: NSW 1, Queensland 2
Summary: A difficult first half of the season with trips to Southport, Geelong and Brisbane, plus games against Footscray, Casey and Werribee. But if they can get to that point in good shape, they have statistically the easiest run home. No home Derby against Port Melbourne would be disappointing, but with no double ups, one of them had to miss out.
Difficulty Score: 235 (ranked equal 17^th) 156 R1-11, 79 R12-22; 107.5 R1-6, 48.5 R7-11, 21 R12-17, 58 R18-22

VFL FIXTURE 2022

ROUND 1
Friday, March 25
Footscray v Sydney (VU Whitten Oval, 4.35pm)
Carlton v Brisbane Lions (Ikon Park, 5.05pm)
Saturday, March 26
Geelong v Essendon (GMHBA Stadium, 2.05pm)
Gold Coast v Northern Bullants (Metricon Stadium, 3.05pm)
Frankston v Werribee (Skybus Stadium, 7.05pm)
Sunday, March 27
Richmond v Southport (Swinburne Centre, 11.35am)
Collingwood v Box Hill Hawks (Victoria Park, 12pm)
Casey Demons v Sandringham (Casey Fields, 1.05pm)
GWS v Port Melbourne (Blacktown ISP, 2.05pm)
North Melbourne v Williamstown (Arden St, 4.05pm)
Coburg bye

ROUND 2
April 2-3
Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne
Box Hill Hawks v Carlton
Casey Demons v Essendon
Collingwood v Geelong
Frankston v GWS
Footscray v Northern Bullants
Sydney v Gold Coast
Southport v Williamstown
Coburg v Port Melbourne
Sandringham v Richmond
Werribee bye

ROUND 3
April 9-10
Essendon v Frankston
Geelong v Brisbane Lions
Northern Bullants v Collingwood
Werribee v Southport
GWS v Coburg
Gold Coast v Carlton
Port Melbourne v Sydney
Richmond v Footscray
Box Hill Hawks v Sandringham
Williamstown v Casey Demons
North Melbourne bye

ROUND 4
April 16-17
Southport v Geelong
Casey Demons v Coburg
Collingwood v GWS
North Melbourne v Footscray
Williamstown v Werribee
Sydney v Northern Bullants
Port Melbourne v Essendon
Carlton v Richmond
Sandringham v Gold Coast
Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions¸ Frankston bye

ROUND 5
April 23-24
Footscray v Southport
GWS v Sandringham
Brisbane Lions v Port Melbourne
Coburg v Box Hill Hawks
Essendon v Collingwood
Frankston v North Melbourne
Richmond v Casey Demons
Werribee v Carlton
Geelong, Gold Coast, Northern Bullants, Sydney, Williamstown bye

ROUND 6
April 30-May 1
Gold Coast v Werribee
Box Hill Hawks v Casey Demons
Footscray v Essendon
Northern Bullants v GWS
Sandringham v Frankston
Sydney v Brisbane Lions
Coburg v Collingwood
Carlton v North Melbourne
Geelong v Williamstown
Port Melbourne, Richmond, Southport bye

ROUND 7
May 7-8
Frankston v Carlton
North Melbourne v Geelong
Sandringham v Northern Bullants
Werribee v Sydney
Brisbane Lions v Coburg
Essendon v Box Hill Hawks
Port Melbourne v Richmond
Casey Demons v Southport
Williamstown v Gold Coast
Collingwood, Footscray, GWS bye

ROUND 8
May 14-15
North Melbourne v Casey Demons
Southport v GWS
Collingwood v Footscray
Northern Bullants v Port Melbourne
Box Hill Hawks v Richmond
Williamstown v Frankston
Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Coburg, Essendon, Geelong, Gold Coast, Sandringham, Sydney, Werribee bye

ROUND 9
May 21-22
Footscray v Gold Coast
Coburg v Sydney
Port Melbourne v Southport
Brisbane Lions v Williamstown
GWS v Werribee
Northern Bullants v Geelong
Richmond v Essendon
Carlton v Sandringham
Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons, Collingwood, Frankston, North Melbourne bye

ROUND 10
May 28-29
Gold Coast v Box Hill Hawks
Geelong v GWS
Sandringham v North Melbourne
Williamstown v Footscray
Southport v Brisbane Lions
Sydney v Richmond
Essendon v Coburg
Frankston v Casey Demons
Northern Bullants v Carlton
Werribee v Collingwood
Port Melbourne bye

ROUND 11
June 4-5
Coburg v Frankston
Casey Demons v Sydney
North Melbourne v Box Hill Hawks
Port Melbourne v Williamstown
Brisbane Lions v Northern Bullants
Collingwood v Gold Coast
Footscray v Geelong
Carlton, Essendon, GWS, Richmond, Sandringham, Southport, Werribee bye

ROUND 12
June 11-12
Southport v Sandringham
Frankston v Brisbane Lions
Box Hill Hawks v Port Melbourne
GWS v North Melbourne
Casey Demons v Collingwood
Essendon v Carlton
Richmond v Werribee
Coburg, Footscray, Geelong, Gold Coast, Northern Bullants, Sydney, Williamstown bye

ROUND 13
June 18-19
Carlton v Footscray
Coburg v Richmond
Sandringham v Essendon
Gold Coast v GWS
Sydney v Williamstown
Northern Bullants v Southport
Werribee v Geelong
Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions, Casey Demons, Collingwood, Frankston, North Melbourne, Port Melbourne bye

ROUND 14
June 25-26
Gold Coast v Casey Demons
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions
Williamstown v Essendon
Sydney v Sandringham
Southport v Frankston
Carlton v Coburg
Footscray v Box Hill Hawks
North Melbourne v Northern Bullants
Geelong v Richmond
Port Melbourne v Werribee
GWS bye

ROUND 15
July 2-3
Brisbane Lions v Footscray
Coburg v Gold Coast
Essendon v Sydney
Casey Demons v Port Melbourne
GWS v Box Hill Hawks
Frankston v Geelong
Richmond v Collingwood
Werribee v North Melbourne
Northern Bullants v Williamstown
Carlton, Sandringham, Southport bye

ROUND 16
July 9-10
Gold Coast v Frankston
Geelong v Casey Demons
Collingwood v North Melbourne
Sandringham v Footscray
Port Melbourne v Carlton
Box Hill Hawks v Southport
Werribee v Coburg
Williamstown v GWS
Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Northern Bullants, Richmond, Sydney bye

ROUND 17
July 16-17
Southport v Sydney
Carlton v Geelong
Frankston v Northern Bullants
Port Melbourne v Collingwood
North Melbourne v Richmond
Coburg v Sandringham
GWS v Brisbane Lions
Essendon v Gold Coast
Box Hill Hawks v Werribee
Casey Demons, Footscray, Williamstown bye

ROUND 18
July 23-24
Carlton v GWS
Northern Bullants v Box Hill Hawks
Sandringham v Port Melbourne
Sydney v Frankston
Brisbane Lions v Gold Coast
Southport v Essendon
Footscray v Casey Demons
Richmond v Williamstown
Coburg, Collingwood, Geelong, North Melbourne, Werribee bye

ROUND 19
July 30-31
Werribee v Footscray
Gold Coast v Port Melbourne
Sydney v GWS
Geelong v Coburg
Essendon v North Melbourne
Casey Demons v Northern Bullants
Richmond v Brisbane Lions
Collingwood v Southport
Williamstown v Carlton
Box Hill Hawks, Frankston, Sandringham bye

ROUND 20
August 6-7
Footscray v Coburg
GWS v Essendon
Brisbane Lions v Werribee
Frankston v Box Hill Hawks
North Melbourne v Sydney
Northern Bullants v Richmond
Geelong v Sandringham
Collingwood v Williamstown
Carlton, Casey Demons, Gold Coast, Port Melbourne, Southport bye

ROUND 21
August 13-14
Gold Coast v Southport
Casey Demons v Carlton
Box Hill Hawks v Geelong
Sandringham v Brisbane Lions
Sydney v Collingwood
Coburg v North Melbourne
Port Melbourne v Frankston
Essendon v Werribee
Footscray, GWS, Northern Bullants, Richmond, Williamstown bye

ROUND 22
August 20-21
Carlton v Collingwood
Box Hill Hawks v Sydney
Richmond v Frankston
Werribee v Northern Bullants
Williamstown v Sandringham
GWS v Footscray
Brisbane Lions v Casey Demons
Southport v Coburg
North Melbourne v Gold Coast
Geelong v Port Melbourne
Essendon bye

FINALS WEEK 1
Saturday-Sunday, August 27-28
1^st Qualifying Final, 1v4
2^nd Qualifying Final, 2v3
1^st Elimination Final, 5v8
2^nd Elimination Final, 6v7

SEMI FINALS
Saturday-Sunday, September 3-4
First Semi Final, loser 1QF v winner 1EF
Second Semi Final, loser 2QF v winner 2EF

PRELIMINARY FINALS
Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11
First Preliminary Final, Winner 1QF v Winner 2SF
Second Preliminary Final, Winner 2QF v Winner 1SF

GRAND FINAL
Sunday, September 18
Winner 1PF v Winner 2PF