Footscray’s premiership defence will be put to its first test against Casey in Round 1 of the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season.
The Bulldogs will unfurl their 2025 premiership flag against the Dees at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday 21 March from 2:05pm.
The hosts will enter the clash on a 14-game winning streak, which stretches back to Round 9 of their premiership-winning season.
It will also mark the first official match for incoming coach Alex Johnson, who took the reins late last year.
Ticketing information will be confirmed in due course, with the full 2026 fixture to be released in coming weeks.
Round 1 - 2026 Smithy’s VFL Season
Footscray Bulldogs vs Casey Demons
Saturday 21 March, 2:05pm AEDT
Mission Whitten Oval (Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung)
