The AFL has locked in fixtures for the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season, which will see Queensland teams The Southport Sharks, The Brisbane Lions and The Gold Coast SUNS all vying for the flag.
The fixture release includes the full schedule for Rounds 1-14 of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season, along with match ups and venues for the remaining eight rounds. View the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Match Centre here.
The competition 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.
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.”
Broadcast and streaming: All matches in the 2023 Smithy’s VFL season 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.
Smithy’s VFL – 2023 clubs
(same clubs as season 2022)
Aligned to AFL clubs (14)
Box Hill Hawks (Hawthorn)
Brisbane Lions
Carlton
Casey Demons (Melbourne)
Collingwood
Essendon
Footscray Bulldogs
Geelong Cats
Gold Coast SUNS
GWS GIANTS
North Melbourne
Richmond
Sandringham (St Kilda)
Sydney Swans
VFL standalone clubs (7)
Coburg
Frankston
Northern Bullants
Port Melbourne
Southport Sharks
Werribee
Williamstown
