The AFL has today confirmed the opening two rounds of the 2021 VFL fixture, with the new-look competition to feature 22 clubs across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in a 16-game season.

Footscray will kick off its 2021 campaign with a VU Whitten Oval home game against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday April 17 at 6pm.

The Bulldogs will then open round two with a trip to take on GWS at Blacktown International Sportspark on Thursday, April 22 at 7.10pm.

Rounds three to 19 dates, times and venues will be announced following the confirmation of additional rounds of the 2021 AFL season.

All clubs will also have three allocated byes to provide an added level of flexibility.

Footscray’s 2021 fixture can be seen in full here.