WITH the 2025 season right around the corner, it’s time to look ahead at the key dates set in the Demon diary.
Tickets for MCG and Marvel matches from Rounds 1 to 15 go on sale for members on Tuesday, February 18 and for the general public on Wednesday, February 19.
Both sales kick off at 12pm via afl.com.au/tickets.
Eligible members will be emailed prior to the pre-sale with their member barcodes should they wish to upgrade to reserved seats.
More ticketing info can be found at the help centre.
Key Matchups
Season Starter
Round 1
Sunday, March 16
3:20 pm
MCG
Melbourne has a number of marquee games to look forward to in 2025, starting with Round 1 at the MCG as Melbourne prepare to welcome the Giants to the home of football.
GWS are coming off a top four finish in 2024 and will provide stiff opposition for the Demons straight out of the gates.
The Giants will have kicked off their season a week prior against Collingwood in Opening Round, meaning Jake Stringer will have a chance to settle the nerves before visiting the MCG.
ANZAC Day Eve
Round 7
Tuesday, April 24
7:30 pm
MCG
Round 7 brings one of the fan favourite games of the year with the annual ANZAC Day Eve game under the lights of the MCG.
A new-look Tigers lineup will bring a host of fresh faces to the occasion, including No. 1 selection Sam Lalor.
The clash against the Tiges is one that always draws a big crowd to the MCG, as we recognise those who have previously served and are still currently serving.
King’s Birthday
Round 13
Monday, June 9
3:20 pm
MCG
A game all Melbourne fans mark on their calendar is the annual King’s Birthday game against Collingwood.
The round means so much more than football, the King’s Birthday game is one to celebrate football great Neale Daniher and his FightMND cause.
The MCG is always a spectacle with a sea of blue beanies, whilst we watch Australia’s favourite celebrities slide down the Big Freeze slide raising money for Neale’s cause.
Players to watch
Jacob van Rooyen
Jacob van Rooyen is hoping to take his game to new heights in the 2025 season after showing significant growth in his first two years in red and blue.
The 21-year-old threatens to continue his growth as one of the game’s premium forwards, whilst also doing his work in the ruck.
A goal-kicking title in red and blue isn't out of the question for the young spearhead, but he'll have to break a five-season streak from the mercurial Bayley Fritsch.
New leadership had taken control of the helm at the forward end, with Troy Chaplin now marshalling the troops.
Caleb Windsor
Caleb Windsor is primed for a breakout 2025 season after a steady rise through the ranks in his first year in the AFL.
The 20-year-old midfielder has impressed with his agility, ball-winning ability and work rate, making a noticeable impact when he gets his hands on the footy.
After a solid pre-season, he’ll be aiming to cement himself as one of the club’s main speed options in anew role off half-back.
If he can build on his form from 2024, he could be a key driver in his team’s success this season, pushing for a breakout year that could see him finish as a top performer in both disposals and rebound 50s.
Harvey Langford
Newest recruit Harvey Langford has turned some heads in his first pre-season in red and blue, the big bodied mid has come in and shown why he was pick No. 6.
Langford has slotted straight into the midfield mix, joining the likes of Gawn, Petracca, Viney and Oliver, making his mark at stoppages around the ground.
Melbourne’s newest no No.19 will be one for Demon fans to keep their eye on for an early year jumper presentation, with forward versatility also on his resume.
Jed Adams
Jed Adams has grasped preseason with both hands, the tall back has turned heads using his size and power to control the back line.
Looking to make his mark, Adams has improved dramatically from last year, bringing speed and agility to the defensive half of the ground.
Keep your eye on what Adams brings to 2025, with his goals set high for an AFL debut.
