MELBOURNE’S fixture to the midway point of the 2021 AFL season has been set, following the release of Round 11 and 12 on Thursday afternoon.
The Demons will first meet the Western Bulldogs on Friday 28 May at Marvel Stadium, for what will be their second match of the year at the Docklands venue.
The blockbuster against the Dogs will kick off at 7.50pm AEST and will be shown on Channel Seven.
Melbourne will then travel to the Northern Territory a week later to host Brisbane in its annual ‘Heart of the Nation’ match.
Scheduled to start at 7.50pm AEST, the clash will be part of Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.
Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said the Demons were looking forward to returning to the Alice Springs region for the special occasion.
“The Northern Territory holds a special place in the hearts of the Melbourne players, staff and Board,” he told Melbourne Media.
“We have built a strong relationship over the past decade and continue to focus on giving back to the community and ensuring our partnership is meaningful and impactful.
“Sir Doug Nicholls Round is always such a great celebration and to be able to play that round in Alice Springs is extra special.
“TIO Traeger Park has become a home away from home for us and it’s great to be able to connect with the local community and bring the AFL competition to their backyard.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the Northern Territory government for their ongoing support and for welcoming us to their state every year.”
The Demons will then have a slightly longer break to prepare for their annual Queen’s Birthday clash with Collingwood on Monday 14 June, before their bye in Round 14.
Round 11
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Friday 28 May, 7.50pm AEST
Marvel Stadium
Round 12
Melbourne v Brisbane
Friday 4 June, 7.20pm ACST/7.50pm AEST
TIO Traeger Park, Alice Springs
Round 13
Melbourne v Collingwood
Monday 14 June, time TBC
MCG
