The Casey Demons will launch their 2026 Smithy’s VFL campaign with a blockbuster Round 1 clash against reigning premiers Footscray Bulldogs at Mission Whitten Oval.
The season will open across the weekend of March 20, with Casey taking the field on Saturday, March 21, in what shapes as an early test.
Round 1 marks the beginning of a new era for the VFL, highlighted by the introduction of Tasmania Football Club and the return of St Kilda to the competition for the first time since 1896. A new venue will also be unveiled, with the Box Hill Hawks and Sydney Swans opening the season at Kennedy Community Centre, the new home of Hawthorn Football Club.
With Footscray unveiling its 2025 premiership flag prior to the first bounce at Mission Whitten Oval, the Demons will be eager to spoil the occasion and set the tone for the season ahead.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Tasmania will play its first VFL match for premiership points when it hosts Coburg at North Hobart Oval, while Richmond takes on Southport Sharks at Kinetic Stadium and GWS Giants host St Kilda at Tom Wills Oval.
The opening round continues on Sunday, March 22, with a rematch of the 2023 VFL Grand Final between Gold Coast Suns and Werribee at People First Stadium, while Sandringham hosts Port Melbourne in its first match since returning to standalone status.
The Demons will head into Round 1 looking to build early momentum in what promises to be an exciting 2026 campaign.
Full fixtures for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons will be released in the coming weeks.
