The Smithy’s VFL season kicks off this weekend with an exciting lineup of matches featuring both seasoned veterans and fresh faces debuting at various clubs. Former Essendon champion Dyson Heppell is set to kick off his VFL career with Port Melbourne, highlighting the beginning of a competitive season.
Heppell will take the field alongside a new-look Port Melbourne team as they face the Brisbane Lions at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The match promises to be a significant test with 13 recruits on the team, many of whom are fresh off AFL lists. Notably, Heppell’s Bomber teammates Tex Wanganeen, Jayden Davey, and others, such as Charlie Lazzaro and Dom Bededo, are joining him in this season opener.
Across the competition, the excitement is palpable as a staggering 104 recruits are slated to represent their new clubs in the nine matches of Round 1. Geelong is also making headlines with star player Mitch Duncan, who returns to the VFL for the first time since 2010, indicating a strong team push. Other notable appearances include Liam Henry making his debut for Sandringham, adding to a growing roster of exciting new talent.
In total, Werribee will field a vastly different lineup in their Grand Final rematch against Southport at Fankhauser Reserve, with 10 fresh recruits joining 13 premiership players. This match, set against the backdrop of recent changes, will showcase rising stars like Myles McCluggage and Jake Lohmann.
Sandringham aims to impress as they parade 14 first-gamers, including Henry, draftees Tobie Travaglia, James Barrat, and Jack Carroll. In their upcoming face-off against Geelong, they bring a robust crew alongside a mix of returning players like Harry Boyd.
Heppell’s arrival at Port Melbourne reshapes the strategic landscape for this year’s teams, with some clubs looking to these changes to reclaim their positions in the league. Meanwhile, Box Hill Hawks are eager to soar back into premiership contention, with seven newcomers ready to prove themselves against Carlton. This match-up serves as the opener for Friday night on March 21, 2025, at IKON Park, 7:05 PM, and includes high-profile recruits like Ethan Stanley and former Werribee duo, Kye Declase and Corey Preston.
The Carlton team is excited as they finalize their side featuring six debutants, including 2024 draftees Ben Camporeale and Harry Charleson. Other notable entries include Ethan Phillips, Cooper Vickery, and Flynn Riley. The squad is co-captained by Liam McMahon and Heath Ramshaw. As anticipation builds, the lineup has undergone several changes, including the withdrawal of Matthew Carroll due to an ankle injury.
In another clash, Collingwood lines up against the Sydney Swans on Saturday, March 22, 2025, with a solid squad featuring 14 AFL-listed players, including draftees Joel Cochran, Charlie West, and Will Hayes. The Pies’ preparations are bolstered by strong performances from veterans like Will Hoskin-Elliott, back from injury.
The Essendon VFL team is also set to face Williamstown at the NEC Hangar, with excitement around their newly appointed senior coach, Cameron Joyce. Leading the team is Captain Xavier O'Neill, showcasing a blend of promising 2024 draft selections and new signings from previous clubs.
In addition, the Lions’ VFL side will open their season against Port Melbourne with the return of Darcy Gardiner after recovering from an ACL injury. The mix of youth and experience promises thrilling gameplay this season, as the Lions look to secure their first win at Brighton Homes Arena.
The matchups continue with Casey Demons and North Melbourne clashing on March 23, 2025, featuring emerging talents like Matt Whitlock and River Stevens on their debut for North. The Kangaroos aim to solidify their standing with a robust lineup, while the Demons look for redemption under notable players like Harvey Langford.
Finally, Sandringham will host Geelong Cats at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval. As the season unfolds, Geelong is eager to capitalize on its experience, heading into the match with ten AFL-listed players, including veteran Mitch Duncan and new arrivals Jack Martin and Nathan Kreuger, hoping to deliver a powerful performance.
This opening round promises thrilling moments as teams reshape their rosters and vie for early advantages in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL season, promising excitement for fans and players alike.
