JUST six days out from Melbourne’s Round 5 game, the AFL has announced a fixture swap, with the Demons now set to face Richmond on Sunday afternoon.
The Dees were initially scheduled to fly to Sydney this weekend for a clash with the Swans, but due to Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions, the West Coast vs Richmond game at Metricon Stadium couldn’t go ahead.
As a result, Sydney will fly to Gold Coast to meet the Eagles on Saturday, leaving the Demons and Tigers to do battle at the MCG.
It’s the second time in three weeks that Melbourne’s schedule has been changed on short notice, following a postponed clash with Essendon in Round 2.
But GM of Football Josh Mahoney says in this rollercoaster 2020 season, you have to be prepared for anything.
“We always knew there were going to be challenges and uncertainties with how this year would look, and we will continue to deal with them as they come,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media.
“The AFL are dealing with a lot of changing situations and we need to be flexible.
“The positive is that the day and timing hasn’t changed and our program through the week can remain as planned.
“We will turn our attention to preparing for Richmond."
Coming off a three-point loss to Geelong, the Demons will be looking to get their season back on track this Sunday, with the home game kicking off at 3:35pm.
Melbourne is scheduled to play Fremantle at Metricon Stadium in Round 6, so the AFL will be waiting to see if Queensland’s restrictions are lifted before confirming that match-up.
Round 5 – Melbourne v Richmond @ MCG
Details: Sunday, 5 July – 3:35pm AEST
Broadcast: Seven
