The 2025 AFL preseason is set to ignite excitement among fans and teams alike as the fixtures for both the AFL and VFL are officially announced. The season promises thrilling matchups and competitive showings, all kicking off with the highly anticipated AAMI Community Series for the AFL and the VFL’s league fixtures.
The VFL will again serve as the platform for AFL clubs, with 14 clubs now utilizing it for their reserves players. The slate launches on Friday, March 21, 2025, featuring the Box Hill Hawks going on the road to face the Carlton Blues under the lights at IKON Park at 7:05 PM AEDT. One week later, Box Hill will welcome North Melbourne at their home ground, Box Hill City Oval.
Due to scheduling decisions, there will be back-to-back byes for the Hawks, occurring during round three and again due to the wide competition break for the VFL state game. Following this, they will enter nine uninterrupted weeks for rounds four through eleven. During this period, the Hawks flag -hunting schedule takes them across various locations including Geelong, Wonthaggi, and Werribee, alongside significant home games against teams like Richmond and Brisbane.
The matches are structured to give teams ample opportunity to showcase their talents, with match times and details subject to change. Fans are encouraged to stay connected through social media for any last-minute adjustments. The detailed fixtures for the first few rounds are as follows:
Round 1: vs. Carlton – IKON Park, Friday, March 21, 7:05 PM
Round 2: vs. North Melbourne – Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, March 29, 2:05 PM
Round 3: BYE
Round 4: vs. Geelong – GMHBA Stadium, Sunday, April 20, 11:35 AM
Round 5: vs. Port Melbourne – Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, Sunday, April 27, 11:05 AM
Round 6: vs. Richmond – Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, May 3, 2:05 PM
Round 7: vs. Werribee – Avalon Airport Oval, Saturday, May 10, 12:05 PM
Round 8: vs. Gold Coast Suns – People First Stadium, Saturday, May 17, 11:05 AM
Round 9: vs. Brisbane Lions – Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, May 24, 11:35 AM
Round 10: vs. Collingwood – Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, May 31, 2:05 PM
Round 11: vs. Frankston – Box Hill City Oval, Saturday, June 7, 2:05 PM
Round 12: vs. Coburg – Pirahna Park, Saturday, June 14, 2:05 PM
Round 13: BYE
Looking beyond the initial set of fixtures, the VFL is geared for exciting competition, with the season slated to wrap up during the AFL preliminary final weekend. This year’s titleholder, Werribee, will undoubtedly be on the lookout to defend their championship status.
Simultaneously, the AFL is preparing for various clubs to participate actively throughout the AAMI Community Series, which acts as the final warm-up before the main season kicks off. On Wednesday, February 26, Richmond will take on Collingwood at IKON Park at 7:10 PM AEDT, followed by other matchups across the weekend. For those tuning in from home, athletes will showcase their skills live and ad-break free on FOX FOOTY.
Fans look forward to seeing new talent on display, as several clubs are announcing their preliminary lineups and any player absences. Notably, Richmond’s star names including Dion Prestia and Jordan De Goey are facing fitness challenges, which offers insight for coaches as they finalize their formations for the opening rounds.
On the horizon, as the community series occurs, clubs benefit from honing their strategies, thereby preparing to approach the season with renewed energy and tactical prowess. Whether the spotlight shines on promising rookies or seasoned players, the intensity of competition will set the stage for what’s expected to be another amazing year for AFL fans.
With so much potential bubbling under the surface, football’s return promises to entice supporters across Australia, carving memorable moments from match days to the rich atmosphere. The blending of long-standing traditions with fresh narratives forms the fabric of what football fans anticipate each season.
The excitement surrounding the upcoming fixtures is palpable as both the AFL and VFL encourage fans to mark their calendars. There’s no question about it: Australian Rules football is back, and it’s gearing up to be bigger and bolder than ever.