The AFL is pleased to announce the fixtures for the 2023 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons.
The fixture release includes the full schedule for Rounds 1-14 of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season, along with match ups for the remaining eight rounds.
The rebel VFLW fixture release includes the full schedule for Rounds 1-13, along with match ups for the final round of the season.
Both competitions will commence on the weekend of March 24-26, aligning with Round 2 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership season.
The 2023 Smithy’s VFL home and away season will consist of 22 rounds, with each of the 21 teams to play 18 matches and have four byes.
The 2023 rebel VFLW home and away season will again be contested by 12 teams and consist of 14 rounds, with a competition bye scheduled for the King’s Birthday weekend.
AFL Head of State League Competitions, Jennie Loughnan, said: “2023 shapes as a huge year for the Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW competitions as we build on the success of last year, where we were able to complete seasons and award premierships for the first time since 2019.
“The Smithy's VFL is the largest football competition in Australia. With the men’s and women’s season dates aligning more closely this year, developing the fixtures for both competitions has been a significant undertaking. We are grateful for the patience and support that has been displayed by all stakeholders.
“The fixtures aim to maximise the opportunity for clubs to host double-headers featuring their men’s and women’s teams, with more than 30 double-headers scheduled. This is a big win for clubs and fans.
“We have also worked closely with AFL-aligned clubs to align AFL and VFL fixtures for those clubs involved in both competitions, where possible.
“By delivering the scheduling for the first 14 rounds of the Smithy’s VFL season and the first 13 rounds of the rebel VFLW season, we are able to provide greater certainty to clubs and fans this year, with remaining rounds to be locked in once the AFL fixture is confirmed.”
To view the full fixtures, please go to www.afl.com.au/vfl/fixture.
Broadcast and streaming: All matches in the 2023 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website (AFL.com.au) and AFL Live Official App. Smithy’s VFL broadcast partner, the Seven Network, will continue to show one weekly game live and free on the Seven Network in Victoria and on 7Plus nationally.
Live scoring and stats: Live scoring and stats will be available via both the AFL Live Official App and VFL App.
Ticketing: Where Smithy’s VFL matches are ticketed, entry is $10 for adults, $5 for concession holders and kids under 15 are free. Some venues don't charge for entry. AFL ticketing prices will apply for VFL matches played as curtain-raisers and curtain-closers to AFL matches at AFL venues.
Entry to rebel VFLW matches is free. Where venues host VFL and VFLW double-headers, entry fees will apply after half time of the VFLW match.
Smithy’s VFL
The 2023 Smithy’s VFL season will commence on Friday, March 24 with a clash between Carlton and Geelong Cats at IKON Park.
The opening round features ten matches played across three days in three different states.
For the first time, the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season will feature a Wildcard Round, which will be played across the weekend of August 26-27, following the final round of the home and away season.
The Wildcard Round will feature two matches – 7 v 10 and 8 v 9. The two winners will advance to the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series, with the highest-ranked winner during the Wildcard Round to enter the finals as the seventh-placed team.
The top-six teams on the Smithy’s VFL ladder will have a pre-finals bye during Wildcard Round, ahead of the commencement of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series on the weekend of September 2-3.
The 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 24, the weekend before the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
Some of the key features of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season include:
- All seven VFL standalone clubs (Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Southport Sharks, Werribee and Williamstown) to play against each other.
- Casey Demons to unfurl their 2022 premiership flag in Round 1 when they host Footscray Bulldogs at Casey Fields.
- Southport Sharks to host Casey Demons at Fankhauser Reserve in Round 11 in a rematch of the 2022 Smithy’s Grand Final.
- Two matches to be played on Good Friday. North Melbourne will host Carlton, while Port Melbourne will travel to take on old foe Williamstown in a blockbuster at DSV Stadium.
- Seven matches to be played in Melbourne in Round 4, April 14-16, which coincides with the AFL’s Gather Round in South Australia. The round also features a Queensland derby between Brisbane Lions and Southport Sharks, while Sydney Swans will host North Melbourne.
- Frankston to host Port Melbourne at Kinetic Stadium on ANZAC Day eve.
- Box Hill Hawks to host Casey Demons in a VFL and VFLW double-header at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
- Coburg to host Northern Bullants at Piranha Park in Round 8 in the 158th edition of the Battle of Bell Street.
rebel VFLW
The 2023 rebel VFLW season will commence on the weekend of March 25-26.
The 2023 rebel VFLW home and away season will consist of 14 rounds, with a competition bye scheduled for the King’s Birthday weekend.
The top-six teams on the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season will qualify for the 2023 rebel VFLW Finals Series.
The finals format will remain unchanged from 2022, with the finals series to be played across four weeks, commencing the weekend of July 8-9.
The 2023 rebel VFLW Grand Final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, July 30.
Some of the key features of the 2023 rebel VFLW season include:
- Season start date moved to the final weekend of March. The later start date follows the change to AFLW season dates. The 2022 rebel VFLW season commenced in February.
- Reigning premier Essendon to commence its campaign with a home game against Box Hill Hawks at the NEC Hangar, which will feature the unfurling of the Bombers’ 2022 premiership flag.
- 2022 grand finalists Essendon and Southern Saints to meet twice – in Round 2 at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, then at the NEC Hangar in Round 7.
- Six matches scheduled for the Easter weekend, Round 3, including three games on Good Friday.
- Port Melbourne to host Box Hill Hawks under lights at ETU Stadium on Friday, April 21 to launch ANZAC Round.
- Box Hill Hawks to host Casey Demons at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve in Round 6.
- Competition bye during the King’s Birthday weekend.
- All matches in the 2023 rebel VFLW season will be live streamed via the AFL website (AFL.com.au) and AFL Live Official App.
To view the full fixtures, please go to www.afl.com.au/vfl/fixture.
*Fixture dates and times are subject to change.