THE magnitude of playing in the first official AFLW game on the MCG isn’t lost on Melbourne’s Libby Birch.

The Demon defender joined media outside the iconic venue on Monday morning to express her excitement on fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“It’s super exciting,” Birch said.

“It’s been a long wait since our last game and it’s just so exciting to be standing here right now thinking that we’re going to be playing on the ‘G for the first time in AFLW history.

“I’ve been reflecting on it and I was here for the 2009 Grand Final, St Kilda v Geelong…and to think we’re going to have a similar opportunity this weekend, under finals pressure, at the ‘G...it’s just so special because when I was 13, 14 this was not even a thing for girls to look up to."

Joined by fellow Demon Alex Neal-Bullen at the media opportunity, Birch spoke to the advice given by her AFL counterpart, who jumped on a zoom call during the week to pass on some finals wisdom. 

“For us it’s going to be about absorbing the week,” Birch said.

“Nibbs (Alex Neal-Bullen) spoke to us during the week about making sure that we enjoy the moment, so not being overwhelmed by playing at the ‘G...but trying to absorb it and play our role.

“For us, over the last couple of weeks, it’s been making sure we’re doing the little things right and going back to what we know how to do, which is playing footy.”

The AFL announced on Sunday night that the ground-breaking Preliminary Final would be free for footy fans to attend, an exciting opportunity for all supporters to have access to finals football at the 'G.

“For all the fans out there, I feel like this game is more than just a Prelim between Melbourne and Brisbane…it’s a chance for all footy fans to get out here and celebrate women’s footy,” Birch said.

Fans will still need to redeem tickets via Ticketek, with tickets available from Monday 28 March at 2pm for AFLW members and 4pm for general public.

AFLW PRELIMINARY FINAL | TICKETS 

Hear more from Birch's press conference below.