The VFL fixture for the 2025 season has been released, with home and away action now less than a month away.
The state league's season will get underway on Friday, March 21 with a clash at IKON Park between between Carlton and Box Hill.
Round 1 of the campaign will also see a grand final rematch take place in Queensland, with Southport hosting Werribee at Fankhauser Reserve on the first Saturday of the season.
A total of nine matches will be held over the opening weekend, with Frankston, Gold Coast and GWS scheduled Round 1 byes.
The standalone VFL clubs will have 10 home games from their 18 matches during the home and away season, with 30 matches to consist of strictly standalone sides.
A break will fall between Rounds 3 and 4 due to Gather Round, which will see a VFL representative side face a SANFL opponent in South Australia on April 12.
The VFL's finals structure will again include a 'Wildcard Round' that commences with clubs placed seventh to 10th competing in the first week of the finals. The VFL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday, September 21.
"2025 shapes as an exciting year across the Smithy's VFL and rebel VFLW and we are pleased to announce the home and away fixtures," AFL state leagues head Jennie Loughnan said.
"Both competitions enjoyed memorable campaigns last year and we look forward to continuing to build on that momentum throughout the 2025 season.
"Eighteen players from the Smithy's VFL and eight players from the rebel VFLW have been selected by AFL and AFLW clubs over the past 12 months and we look forward to watching more stars of the game emerge this year.
"The 2025 Smithy's VFL campaign will see new chapters written in the storied history of the competition's traditional rivalries. Meanwhile, the new rebel VFLW season dates provide great new opportunities and possibilities for clubs and players.
"I thank all VFL and VFLW clubs for working closely with us throughout the development of the 2025 fixtures.
"I also wish to sincerely thank our fans for their patience and understanding as we factored in the many considerations that impact our fixtures and scheduling to ensure we can land on the best outcome for our competitions and clubs."
The full VFL fixture for 2025 can be found here.
