VFL Media Release (July 27) – Footy Returns to Victoria This Weekend

The AFL welcomes today’s announcement by the Victorian State Government relating to the return of community sport for all ages from Wednesday July 28 which will see a return of the 2021 VFL and 2021 rebel VFLW Competitions to Victoria this weekend.

The AFL is excited for all the players on the return of VFL, VFLW, NAB League and community football matches from this weekend.

Attendance at all games in Metropolitan Melbourne will be limited to the minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the football match. Spectators are not allowed at VFL and VFLW matches this weekend.

The health and wellbeing of the community remains the priority and the AFL will continue to work with the Victorian Government and health officials on the return to crowds at matches.

Broadcast information for matches this weekend will be released shortly.

The rebel VFLW Preliminary Final between Essendon and Geelong will headline a weekend of footy in Victoria. The match will be played on Saturday July 31 at 12.00pm at Windy Hill. The winner will face Collingwood in the 2021 rebel VFLW Grand Final on Sunday August 8 at ETU Stadium at 1.15pm.

VFL matches will continue to be played in Queensland in front of full crowds this weekend with no Victorian Clubs travelling interstate as part of the Round 16 fixture.

All VFL and VFLW Clubs will return to training on Wednesday July 28 ahead of the return to competition and are prepared for all matches this weekend.

The fixture will continue to be a week-by-week proposition and the AFL will continue to work with the Victorian Government and Health Officials on finding solutions for these competitions. Match-ups for remaining games will likely be changed to ensure games are played.

The AFL will continue to meet with all parties and plan for all scenarios acting on the advice from government, relevant health departments and medical experts. We will communicate any updates and provide advice in a timely manner.

We acknowledge this remains a complicated and rapidly evolving situation but as a football industry we will band together to support each other. This is a reminder that we are all part of a broader society with a responsibility to make sure our community remains safe.

The AFL would like to acknowledge the support of all industry stakeholders and the legion of fans and supporters for their patience during this time.

VFLW Preliminary Final

Saturday July 31

Essendon v GeelongWindy Hill12.00pm

VFL Round 16

Saturday July 31

Gold Coast Suns vs SouthportGold Coast Suns Training Oval10.30am
Sandringham vs. CarltonTrevor Barker Oval12.00pm
Collingwood vs Box Hill HawksHolden Centre12.05pm
North Melbourne vs Port MelbourneArden St Oval12.00pm
Aspley vs EssendonGraham Road12.30pm
Casey Demons vs. FootscrayCasey Fields1.05pm
Brisbane Lions vs Sydney SwansSouth Pine Sporting Complex1.30pm
Northern Bullants vs WerribeePreston City Oval2.00pm

Sunday August 1

Coburg vs WilliamstownPiranha Park2.00pm
Frankston vs RichmondSkyBus Stadium2.05pm

Byes: GWS Giants, Geelong

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