The AFL has today confirmed the fixture for Week Three of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series.
Saturday September 10
First Preliminary Final, Casey Demons (1st) vs. Brisbane Lions (2nd)
Casey Fields, 1:10pm AEST
Broadcaster: Seven Network (Victoria: Channel 7 / Brisbane: 7mate / National: 7plus)
Sunday September 11
Second Preliminary Final, Southport Sharks (3rd) vs. Gold Coast SUNS (5th)
Fankhauser Reserve, Gold Coast, 1:10pm AEST
Broadcaster: Seven Network (Victoria: Channel 7 / Brisbane: 7mate / National: 7plus)
AFL Head of State League Competitions Jennie Loughnan said Week Three of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series provided two exciting matches.
“We look forward to two fantastic contests this weekend which will determine who will play in the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final on Sunday September 18,” Loughnan said.
“The match between Casey Demons and Brisbane Lions sees the first and second-placed sides on the ladder go head-to-head for the first spot in this year’s premiership decider.
“The game has been scheduled at 1:10pm Saturday at Casey Fields to ensure it can be broadcast nationally on the Seven Network and to enable supporters to attend free of charge.
“The second preliminary final will add another chapter in the building local rivalry between Southport Sharks and Gold Coast SUNS. The game will be played at 1:10pm Sunday at Fankhauser Reserve.
“Hosting a preliminary final in Queensland will be another historic moment for our competition and provides a wonderful opportunity to take the Smithy’s VFL to a wider audience.
“The timing of both matches is consistent with scheduling considerations that were communicated to clubs and stakeholders in advance of the finals series and provides participating teams with a fair fixture leading into the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final.
“On behalf of the AFL, I wish all players and clubs the best of luck for this weekend’s preliminary finals.”
To thank football fans for their outstanding support throughout the 2022 season, all matches in Week Three of the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series will again be free, which has been the case in Weeks One and Two.
For the 2022 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final on Sunday September 18 at IKON Park at 2:30pm AEST, admission prices will be adults $20, concession/pensioners $15 and children under 15 free.
All remaining 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 weekend’s preliminary finals will also be broadcast on 7mate in Brisbane.
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.
The 2022 Smithy’s VFL season featured 21 teams with each team playing 18 home-and-away matches and the top eight playing finals. The four-week finals series will culminate 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: Casey Demons 14.15 (99) def Sydney Swans 7.10 (52)
Second Qualifying Final: Brisbane 5.8 (38) def by Southport Sharks 12.15 (87)
First Elimination Final: Gold Coast SUNS 13.16 (94) def Box Hill Hawks 10.11 (71)
Second Elimination Final: Collingwood 10.8 (68) def by Carlton 15.10 (100)
Week Two – Semi Finals
Saturday September 3 and Sunday September 4
First Semi Final: Sydney Swans 12.15 (87) def by Gold Coast SUNS 15.9 (99)
Second Semi Final: Brisbane Lions 11.6 (72) def Carlton 8.12 (60)
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 AEST)
