The VAFA has released the Premier Men's fixture for 2024, providing Xavs' fans with early opportunities to circle their must-see games. Frankly, there will be no easy ones . . .

The Seniors and Reserves launch into it on 13 April and close their home and away season on 7 September. In between, 18 cracking contests, an 8 June bye after R8 for the King's Birthday, a double bye post R11 on 6 and 13 July and another pitstop on 17 August after R15.

The finals will be played over three weeks, withe semi final weekend on 14/15, preliminary on 21 September, and the decider, for the first time, on the 27 September public holiday.

Round by Round:

Opening Day: The Red 'n' Blacks are back at TH King to meet St Kevin's after a couple of years playing them at SKC in late June. Still, the Tricolours are always tough and coach Donati and his charges will be keen to grab an early four points on the road.

Round 2 sees a long awaited return to Toorak Park, wher construction of the pavilion is a season away. However, the new oval dimensions, grass and picket fence look pretty to good to us. In come Old Melburnians, who usually play well on Orrong Road.

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Round 3 involves a trip to Brunswick Street Oval for a contest with first time promotees Fitzroy. The crowd will be big and raucous and the Red 'n' Blacks will need to be on their game, particularly if the Lions have already posted an early victory.

Round 4 is the first leg of a two-game homestand. In come the reigning premiers, Collegians, whose record at TP has been poor over a dozen years, but on the improve in latter seasons.

Round 5 will have plenty riding on it as Old Brighton visit. The Tonners are not without success here over the years.

Round 6 will mean a Sunday visit to the Varsity to meet Blues, in another defence of the Carmody Cup. The Red 'n' Blacks have taken a couple from Blues here in recent seasons.

Round 7 is also at Uni Oval, this time against the Blacks. It is a long time since Xavs beat Blacks under the spires and the Claret and Stout needs to break a long losing sequence.

Round 8 has St Bernard's come to town in the last game before the KB bye.

Round 9 after the bye is the completion of the first half, with the Xavs travelling to Camberwell to meet the Caledonians.

Round 10 is home against SKOB.

Round 11 will provide a contest at Elsternwick against Old Melburnians, and then it's a two week break in hostilities.

Round 12 sees the resumption and a visit from Fitzroy.

Round 13 is scheduled for Harry Trott, where Xavs will attempt to restore its excellent record there against Colls.

Rounds 14 and 15 see the Uni teams roll in - Blues first, then Blacks. Then another week off.

Round 16 is the trip northwest to the Snakepit to meet with Bernies, the first of a tough two-game road adventure.

Round 17 match of the day will be at BBO, as Dan Donati takes his team to the Beach.

Round 18 wraps the home and away season, with Old scotch coming to Orrong Road.

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