MELBOURNE will play a Thursday night JLT Community Series game at Casey Fields and open the pre-season competition in Tasmania next year, it was announced on Thursday morning.
The AFL released the 2018 JLT Community Series fixture, which features 18 games from February 24 to March 11.
Each club will play two matches – one fewer than the 2018 JLT Series.
Melbourne will play in the first JLT match next year when it takes on North Melbourne at Kingston Twin Ovals (Hobart) on Saturday, February 24 at 2.05pm.
It will be the first time an official AFL match will be held at the Tasmanian venue, which opened in 2011.
Melbourne’s second JLT game is a home match at Casey Fields on Thursday night, March 8 at 7.05pm.
Casey Fields has been a regular pre-season venue for Melbourne in recent years.
Melbourne defeated Carlton in its second JLT game at Casey Fields this year.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said: “The JLT game at Casey presents another opportunity for AFL football in the region.”
“The South-East region is a strong football area and this game provides an opportunity to involve local clubs and the community.
“Our presence in the Casey region is building further next season, with the newly formed Casey Demons VFLW team to add to our Next Generation Academy and VFL Casey Demons alignment.”
Melbourne's JLT Community Series matches
1 - North Melbourne v Melbourne, Kingston Twin Ovals (Hobart), Saturday, February 24, 2.05pm
2 - Melbourne v St Kilda, Casey Fields, Thursday, March 8, 7.05pm
