2027 VAFA Fixture Calendar Released

The VAFA has released its fixture calendar for 2027, with all competitions to kick off on Saturday April 10 – two weeks after Easter, allowing for a post-Easter practice match in the lead-up to the opening round.

The majority of clubs preferred this start date, as they will not get full access to their grounds and clubrooms until that weekend of Saturday April 3. Holding opening round on April 10 provides the additional week of preparation before the season proper.

Premier B Women’s, Divisional Women’s, Under 19s (excluding Holmesglen Under 19 Premier) and Thirds Men’s sections will all play four grading rounds as per previous seasons.

Subject to final team entries, there may also be additional Under 19 Men’s, Women’s Divisional, and Thirds Men’s sections.

All sections will have the KING’S BIRTHDAY BYE on Saturday, June 12.

There was also strong club support for the return of the MID-SEASON DOUBLE BYE to allow players, officials, volunteers and staff to utilise the mid-year school holidays to take a break and recharge the batteries for the run home to September.

Finals will again be staggered to maximise visibility, exposure across all competitions, and greater access to premium venues, with the Thirds competition to kick off the 2027 VAFA Finals Series on August 14-15.

Divisional Men’s and Thirds will have a single-week mid-season bye to bring their finals series forward by a week and balance venue requirements.

Due to the 150th Anniversary Test Match at the MCG in March, the AFL season will have a delayed start and its Grand Final on Saturday October 2. However, the VAFA will not have access to Revo Fitness Park at Elsternwick Park on Friday, October 1 (handed over to cricket on September 30).

The Pre-Finals Bye will remain for Premier Mens, and the William Buck Premier Men’s Grand Final will be played on Sunday, September 26 (avoiding the AFL Preliminary Finals on the Friday night and Saturday).

The William Buck Premier Women’s Grand Final will be played on Sunday, September 19.

More details will be provided as they come to hand, but we’re already counting the days to VAFA action returning on Saturday April 10… and we’ve included the official VAFA 2027 COUNTDOWN CLOCK for you to refer back to all summer!!