THE AFL has released Round 1 fixtures for the 2023 VFL and VFLW seasons, set to both get underway on the weekend of March 24-26. Aligning with Round 2 of the AFL Premiership season, the opening weekend of state league action will see both competition’s premiers unfurl their flags.

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VFL champions, the Casey Demons will do so on Saturday March 25 ahead of their clash with Footscray at Casey Fields. A day later at the Hangar comes VFLW premier Essendon’s moment in the sun, before the Bombers face Box Hill. Last year marked the first time that premierships were awarded since 2019.

As was the case in 2022, 21 teams from across Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland will return to participate in the VFL. The opening weekend kicks off with a Friday night clash between Carlton and Geelong at Princes Park, while a Queensland triple-header on Saturday looms as one of the highlights of the round.

The VFLW action commences with four games on Saturday, fronted by the Darebin Falcons’ 10am bout against Southern Saints at La Trobe University. All 12 clubs will return in 2023, with the only difference being Hawthorn’s transferal of its VFLW license to Box Hill. The clubs will remain aligned.

Round 1 of either competition will feature a lone double-header, with Collingwood’s VFL team hosting Coburg before its VFLW side takes the field against Williamstown at Victoria Park. Fixtures for Rounds 2-14 of the VFL, and 2-13 of the VFLW are set to be announced shortly. All games will be streamed live via the AFL website and official app, where scores and stats are also available.

2023 VFL ROUND 1 FIXTURE

2023 VFLW ROUND 1 FIXTURE