The VFL practice match schedule is locked in ahead of the SUNS’ Round 1 clash against Richmond.

The Gold Coast will host both of the SUNS’ VFL pre-season matches, welcoming both Southport Sharks and the Brisbane Lions to the Austworld Centre Oval.

The SUNS will take on the Sharks on Friday, March 1 (7.00pm, 4x25 min periods) before facing the Lions in the final pre-season hitout on Saturday, March 9 (11.00am, 4x25 min periods).

The SUNS’ VFL premiership defence then gets underway with back-to-back home dates at Heritage Bank Stadium either side of the Round 2 bye, facing the Tigers in Round 1 (March 23) and Box Hill Hawks in Round 3 (April 13).