The Round 1 matchups for the 2024 VFL and VFLW seasons have been confirmed, with the Women's competition welcoming the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants this year.
Both NSW clubs will have a bye in the opening round before playing five matches against VFLW clubs from Rounds 3-7 of the home and away season. These matches will be played for premiership points for the competing VFLW clubs.
The Southern Saints will host Collingwood at RSEA Park to open the new VFLW season as part of a doubleheader with Sandringham and Collingwood's VFL outfit on Friday, March 22 at RSEA Park.
Frankston and Williamstown will also clash the same night in the VFL, with five games taking place on the opening Saturday before a further three on Sunday.
Reigning premiers Gold Coast will host Richmond to open their premiership defence, while 2023 grand finalists Werribee will head down the freeway to meet Geelong - making up one-half of the four VFL-VFLW double headers of the opening weekend.
Casey will host Box Hill to conclude the opening round of the Men's competition for the free-to-air televised game, while Carlton is scheduled for a bye to open the season.
Full VFL and VFLW fixtures are set to be released in the coming days.
VFL Round 1 fixture:
Friday 22 March
Sandringham vs. Collingwood, RSEA Park, 4:05 PM *
Frankston vs. Williamstown, Kinetic Stadium, 7:35 PM
Saturday 23 March
Gold Coast SUNS vs. Richmond, Heritage Bank Stadium, 11:05 AM
Southport Sharks vs. Port Melbourne, Fankhauser Reserve, 12:05 PM
Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions, NEC Hangar, 1:05 PM *
Geelong Cats vs. Werribee, GMHBA Stadium, 2:05 PM *
North Melbourne vs. Northern Bullants, Arden Street Oval, 3:05 PM
Sunday 24 March
Sydney Swans vs. Coburg, Tramway Oval, 12:05 PM
Footscray Bulldogs vs. GWS GIANTS, Whitten Oval, 12:05 PM
Casey Demons vs. Box Hill Hawks, Casey Fields, 2:00 PM (Ch7) *
Bye: Carlton
VFLW Round 1 fixture:
VFLW Round 1, 2024
Friday 22 March
Southern Saints vs. Collingwood, RSEA Park, 7:05 PM *
Saturday 23 March
Essendon vs. Port Melbourne, NEC Hangar, 10:05 AM *
Geelong Cats vs. Carlton, GMHBA Stadium, 11:15 AM *
Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne, Whitten Oval, 12:05 PM
Darebin Falcons vs. Williamstown, La Trobe University Bundoora, 5:05 PM
Sunday 24 March
Casey Demons vs. Box Hill Hawks, Casey Fields, 11:05 AM *
Byes: Sydney Swans, GWS GIANTS
*Denotes VFL/W double-header
