VFL

ABOUT OUR VFL PROGRAM

In 2021, a new era for the Southport Sharks began with the amalgamation of the NEAFL and the VFL. The Sharks were one of six NEAFL clubs – (Aspley, Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast Suns, GWS and Southport Sharks that entered the VFL). A year later, Aspley left the competition, so the Sharks are now the only VFL standalone club outside of Victoria.

The 2021 VFL season was cut short due to covid. In 2022, we made the VFL Grand Final, losing to the Casey Demons.

Steve Daniel is our Senior VFL Coach. 2023 will be his 6th year in the role.

The 2023 VFL home and away season will consist of 22 rounds, with each of the 21 teams to play 18 matches and have four byes.

For the first time, the VFL season will feature a Wildcard Round, which will be played across the weekend of August 26-27, following the final round of the home and away season.
 
The Wildcard Round will feature two matches – 7 v 10 and 8 v 9. The two winners will advance to the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series, with the highest-ranked winner during the Wildcard Round to enter the finals as the seventh-placed team.
 
The top-six teams on the Smithy’s VFL ladder will have a pre-finals bye during Wildcard Round, ahead of the commencement of the 2023 Smithy’s VFL Finals Series on the weekend of September 2-3.
 
The 2023 Smithy’s VFL Grand Final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 24, the weekend before the 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

VFL – 2023 clubs
Aligned to AFL clubs (14) – Box Hill Hawks (Hawthorn), Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Casey Demons (Melbourne), Collingwood, Essendon, Footscray Bulldogs, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast SUNS, GWS GIANTS, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sandringham (St Kilda), Sydney Swans
VFL standalone clubs (7) – Coburg, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne, Southport Sharks, Werribee, Williamstown