MELBOURNE will host Port Adelaide at the MCG in the Opening Round of the 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
The clash, which will take place on Saturday 23rd March at 1.45pm AEDT, will mark the first time in six years the two sides have met in round one.
It will also be the second consecutive year Melbourne has opened its season at its spiritual home, while only the 34th time it will do battle against the Power.
After falling short last time they met – Port Adelaide were 10-point winners in Round 14, 2018 at Adelaide Oval – the Demons will be eager to kick off their 2019 campaign with a victory.
The game could see some exciting new match-ups, with both clubs taking an active approach in this year’s AFL Trade Period.
Defender duo Steven May and Kade Kolodjashnij, as well as ruckman Braydon Preuss, could make their debuts for the red and blue, while Port Adelaide may look to include new arrivals Ryan Burton, Scott Lycett and Sam Mayes.
The full 2019 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture will be announced next week.
2019 Opening Round
Thursday, March 21
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG, 7.20pm AEDT
Friday, March 22
Collingwood v Geelong at the MCG, 7.50pm AEDT
Saturday, March 23
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 1.45pm AEDT
Adelaide v Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT
Western Bulldogs v Sydney at Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm AEDT
Brisbane v West Coast at the Gabba, 7.20pm AEST
Sunday, March 24
St Kilda v Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT
Greater Western Sydney v Essendon at Spotless Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT
Fremantle v North Melbourne, Optus Stadium, 3.20pm AWST
