After the competition was cancelled due to COVID-19 last season, the Victorian Football League will recommence with a national flavour.
The state league will not only feature teams from Victoria, but also include sides from New South Wales and Queensland.
Sporting News looks at what the nation's largest second-tier competition has to offer in 2021.
How to watch the VFL in 2021?
The competition received a massive boost on the eve of the season with the announcement of a partnership with Foxtel's sport streaming service, Kayo.
Each round, Kayo will stream live and on-demand three exclusive VFL fixtures.
And in even better news, they're completely free, meaning you don't need to be a paid-up subscriber to tune in.
The AFL's state league boss Tristan Salter spoke about the deal.
"Kayo’s new streaming offering to state league competitions is a real boost for the VFL across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and we know the legion of supporters are looking forward to the return of the VFL season and there is much for fans to look forward to, whether that be attending matches or watching on Kayo," Salter said.
Aditionally, for Victorian viewers, one match per round will be broadcast live across the Seven network.
What is the 2021 VFL competition structure?
Traditionally, the VFL has been the feeder competition for Victorian teams in the AFL - including AFL clubs, AFL-aligned clubs and standalone clubs.
But because the league wasn't played in 2020 due to coronavirus, the AFL has decided to incorporate teams from NSW and Queensland.
The VFL will include 22 teams across the three states and it will be played across 19 rounds - with each team playing 16 games and having three byes.
Which teams will compete in the VFL?
The 22 teams will see 16 based in Victoria, four in Queensland and two in New South Wales.
| AFL Clubs | Standalone Clubs | AFL-Aligned Clubs |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Lions | Aspley | Sandringham (St Kilda) |
| Carlton | Coburg | Box Hill Hawks (Hawthorn) |
| Collingwood | Frankston | Casey Demons (Melbourne) |
| Essendon | Northern Bullants | |
| Footscray | Port Melbourne | |
| Geelong | Southport | |
| Gold Coast Suns | Werribee | |
| GWS Giants | Williamstown | |
| North Melbourne | ||
| Richmond | ||
| Sydney Swans |
When will the VFL start?
The VFL is scheduled to begin on April 16 - approximately one month after the AFL season commences on March 18 with the traditional season opener between Richmond and Carlton.
What is the VFL fixture/draw and how to watch broadcast/live streams?
Below is the scheduled for fixture for rounds 1 and 2. Click the link at the bottom for the full VFL fixture.
Round 1
| Date | Time | Teams | Broadcast | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri April 16 | 12.00pm | Richmond v Sandringham | Swinburne Centre | |
| Fri April 16 | 7.30pm | Frankston v Coburg | Skybus Stadium | |
| Sat April 17 | 11.20am | Footscray v Gold Coast | VU Whitten Oval | |
| Sat April 17 | 12.00pm | Sydney v GWS | Kayo Free | Tramway Oval |
| Sat April 17 | 1.00pm | Aspley v Port Melbourne | Graham Road | |
| Sat April 17 | 12.00pm | Brisbane Lions v Essendon | Kayo Free | Southpines Sporting Complex |
| Sat April 17 | 2.00pm | Carlton v Southport | IKON Park | |
| Sat April 17 | 2.30pm | Werribee v Collingwood | Avalon Airport Oval | |
| Sun Apr 18 | 12.05pm | Box Hill Hawks v Casey Demons | Seven | Box Hill City Oval |
| Sun Apr 18 | 1.00pm | Geelong v North Melbourne | Kayo Free | GMHBA Stadium |
| Sun Apr 18 | 1.00pm | Northern Bullants v Williamstown | Preston City Oval |
Round 2
| Date | Time | Teams | Broadcast | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu April 22 | 7.10pm | GWS v Footscray | Fox Footy | Blacktown International Sportspark |
| Sat April 24 | 9.45am | Gold Coast v Sydney | Council Training Oval | |
| Sat April 24 | 11.00am | Carlton v Brisbane | Kayo Free | IKON Park |
| Sat April 24 | 1.00pm | North Melbourne v Frankston | Arden Street Oval | |
| Sat April 24 | 1.00pm | Southport v Aspley | Fankhauser Reserve | |
| Sat April 24 | 2.00pm | Box Hill Hawks v Northern Bullants | Box Hill City Oval | |
| Sat April 24 | 2.30pm | Port Melbourne v Sandringham | Kayo Free | ETU Stadium |
| Sat April 24 | 2.00pm | Richmond v Casey Demons | Swinburne Centre | |
| Sat April 24 | 2.00pm | Collingwood v Essendon | Victoria Park | |
| Sat April 24 | 7pm | Werribee v Williamstown | Avalon Airport Oval | |
| BYES | Coburg, Geelong |
