St Kilda has been handed a horror VFL fixture in its first season in the competition.
Having formed its own VFL team in 2026 after a 16-year alignment with Sandringham Zebras, the Saints won't get a clear home game at RSEA Park for fans to attend until Round 8.
St Kilda starts its season interstate against GWS, before a tricky trip down the highway against Frankston, with its first home game coming in Round 3 against Richmond.
The AFL team, however, has a bye on that weekend, meaning the club will be forced to field a weakened lineup.
The match is being played on Easter Sunday, a further barrier to drawing people through the gates.
The next home game comes in Round 5 against low-drawing Gold Coast, directly clashing with the Saints AFL match, significantly limiting spectators.
With five of the club's first seven games away from RSEA Park, it is not until May 16 against Casey, well into the season, that St Kilda finally get a match that is fan-friendly.
The Saints also miss out on hosting what is expected to be their largest drawing match of the season, with Sandringham to host the ‘battle of the bay' between the Saints and their former affiliate on May 10.
St Kilda's clash with Box Hill on May 30 is the only other confirmed home fixture that does not overlap with an AFL match, with the last six rounds to be confirmed following the release of the corresponding AFL fixtures.
The Saints have assembled a young VFL squad to complement their AFL talent under coach Brendon Goddard.
The Saints' frustrating fixture comes as Tasmania has been given an excellent platform to build on the code's excitement in the Apple Isle.
Tasmania is set to open its season against Coburg at North Hobart Oval on March 21, with a packed stadium expected.
The Devils will also host a marquee Anzac Day match, with matches spread across Hobart, Launceston and Penguin throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Richmond will again be away from Punt Road in 2026 due to the redevelopment, with five of the Tigers' six confirmed home games at Frankston and the other at Beaconsfield, aligning with the club's ties to Cardinia Shire Council.
The VFL fixture dropped on Wednesday, with full details available for the first 13 rounds.
Every team will play 18 matches through 21 weeks from March 20, with the wildcard round to kick off finals on the weekend of August 22-23.
