The 2021 VFL season will commence on Saturday, April 17, the AFL has confirmed.
It will mean the return of state league men's footy for Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, after a 2020 season affected by COVID-19.
22 clubs from the three states will compete in a 16-game season, across 19 rounds. It will mean the league is the largest second-tier competition in Australia.
All clubs will be allocated three byes to provide added flexibility for potential changes in the current, challenging environment due to COVID-19.
The full fixture is set to be released at the end of February.
Clubs
Standalone Clubs: Aspley, Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport, Werribee, Williamstown
Standalone AFL Clubs: Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney Swans
Aligned Clubs: Sandringham, Box Hill Hawks, Casey Demons
North Melbourne announced late last week that Leigh Adams would coach the club's VFL team in 2021.
