MELBOURNE is set to play 13 games at its spiritual home of the MCG next season, with the AFL this morning announcing the 2023 fixture.
Dees members and supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy all 10 Victorian home games at the hallowed turf, kicking things off with a Saturday night clash against the Western Bulldogs in Round 1.
“This is a very good fixture for all Dees fans,” Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said.
“We pushed very hard for a strong MCG fixture and to end up with 13 games at the MCG, including all 10 of our home games, is great for our supporters.
“The fixture has delivered a strong schedule of blockbuster games that we will host against the Bulldogs, Sydney Swans, Richmond, Carlton, Collingwood and Hawthorn, including ANZAC Eve and King’s Birthday.
“Dees families will also have the opportunity to enjoy four afternoon timeslots booked in for the first half of the season. This is really important for us as a club, as we regrow our families and kids supporter base.”
Throughout the 2023 fixture, the Demons will face Brisbane, Sydney, Carlton, North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Richmond on multiple occasions.
Melbourne’s first encounter with the Tigers will come in Round 6, when the two teams meet for the traditional ANZAC Eve match, marking the eight instalment.
King’s Birthday will see another significant clash on the football calendar, when the Demons host Collingwood at the MCG for the Big Freeze 9. The much-loved event will aim to raise important funds for Fight MND.
Sir Doug Nicholls Round, where the club will take on the name Narrm, will again be held across Round 10 and 11, against Port Adelaide and Fremantle respectively.
The Dees will hit the road for eight interstate trips throughout 2023, including a visit to Alice Springs in Round 16.
“Our fixture will also see us return to Alice Springs, which is a game that our players and staff really look forward to. We regard TIO Traeger Park as a home ground away from home, and it provides us with a great opportunity to connect with the local community,” Pert said.
“We are extremely proud of the community work we have conducted in Alice Springs and look forward to once again experiencing everything the region has to offer.
“It is going to be an exciting year. I encourage everyone to show their support in Round 1, so we can kickstart our 2023 AFL campaign in front of a packed home crowd.”
For those fans who are unable to make it to see the Dees up close, nine matches in the first 15 rounds of the season will be available on free-to-air television.
The AFL has confirmed details for the first 15 rounds, with the remaining nine rounds part of a floating fixture, with exact times and dates to be confirmed early next year.
Dees supporters excited to get amongst the action in 2023 can sign up for a number of membership packages here.
