Essendon’s VFL and VFLW sides will open their respective 2024 seasons in a double-header at the NEC Hangar on Saturday, March 23.

The Dons’ VFLW team will open proceedings against Port Melbourne at 10:05am AEDT in a rematch of last year’s preliminary finalists.

With a young outfit headed by new Senior Coach Cherie O’Neill, the Bombers will be keen for an early test against the reigning premiers on home deck.

The VFL matchup will immediately follow, with the Bombers taking on the Brisbane Lions at 1:05pm AEDT.

The season opener marks a similarly fresh start for the VFL Dons as Senior Coach Blake Caracella looks to get his first campaign off to a strong start.

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VFL | Caracella focusing on community connection

VFL Senior Coach Blake Caracella talks after Essendon's practice game against Northern Territory Buffaloes in Darwin.

The full fixtures for both competitions are set to be announced in the coming days.

Essendon VFL/VFLW round one fixtures

VFLW: Essendon v Port Melbourne
NEC Hangar, Saturday March 23, 10:05am AEDT

VFL: Essendon v Brisbane Lions
NEC Hangar, Saturday March 23, 1:05pm AEDT