MATCH DETAILS

MELBOURNE V WESTERN BULLDOGS
Date: Saturday 18 March
Time: 7:25pm (AEDT)
Location:
MCG | Wurundjeri 

A MODERN-DAY RIVALRY 

Melbourne is set for its season-opening match against the Western Bulldogs, naming a flurry of fresh faces in its starting side.

On Thursday night, the club confirmed the final team, with two AFL debutants in Judd McVee and Bailey Laurie, and two club debutants in Brodie Grundy and Lachie Hunter. 

The Saturday night match will no doubt be action-packed, with the two teams having created a modern-day rivalry. The excitement of the Round 1 clash is sure to add to that busy history.

>>Find the full team here<<

AFLW LAP OF HONOUR

Melbourne's maiden AFLW premiership will be further recognised on Saturday night with a special acknowledgment at the MCG.

Players and coaches will come together at the Demons’ AFL season-opener against the Western Bulldogs, taking part in a lap of honour on the hallowed turf.

It will mark an historic moment for the club, celebrating its inaugural AFLW premiership victory at its spiritual home.

Approximately 20 of Melbourne’s players will be in attendance on the night, including Karen Paxman, Libby Birch, Tayla Harris and Lily Mithen. They’ll be joined by senior coach Mick Stinear.

Fans are asked to remain in their seats at the end of the second quarter, with proceedings to kick off shortly after.

TICKETING

Fans are encouraged to get down to Melbourne’s spiritual home of the MCG from 6pm, when gates open, before the first bounce at 7:25pm. Tickets to the game can be found here.

General Admission Seating

Please note, general admission seating areas are subject to change. 

Shane Warne Stand
M5-M6
M7 (rows A-O)
M12 (rows A-U - no alcohol)
Q1-Q15 1/2

Ponsford Stand
M28 (rows A-Z)
M29-M32
M33 (rows T-NN)
M34-M36
Level 4 closed

Olympic Stand
Q49-Q53 (rows K-MM)
Q54-Q57

AFL Reserve
Not available

Memberships
Join the legion and show your Demon Spirit in 2023. Sign on as a Melbourne member today and enjoy the footy action live at the MCG. 

For those unable to attend, the game will be available to watch live via the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports. Dees supporters can currently access a Kayo x Melbourne membership deal here, with a 12-month subscription part of the package.

President's Club | Melbourne Football Club’s Premier Match Day Event

Held in Melbourne Cricket Ground’s stunning Olympic Room, experience the Melbourne Football Club’s marquee match day event in the President's Club.

With high profile guest speakers, live music and entertainment, the President's Club is the ideal match day event for any sport fan. 

Key Inclusions

  • Gourmet 3-course dining experience with half time supper
  • Premium beverage package served throughout
  • Centre Wing Level 2 reserved seating
  • First class entertainment and guest speakers

MATCH DAY INFORMATION

Public Transport | Metro Disruptions

Buses replace trains on sections of the Hurstbridge, Belgrave, Lilydale and Sunbury lines at various times on Saturday March 18.

      • Passengers should allow extra time when travelling to and from the MCG.
      • Please be aware after the game there may be increased congestion and delays getting onto the platforms at Richmond and Jolimont stations.
      • Passengers are advised to return to where they got off the bus prior.

Multiple tram routes also stop close to the stadium, including the 70 (via Melbourne Park light rail), the 48 and 75 (both Wellington Parade).

To map out your trip to the 'G, use the PTV Journey Planner.

Arrive early

We are encouraging fans to arrive early to the MCG to ensure supporters are inside in time for the match start.

The entry process includes security bag checks, scanning of ticket and finding your spot to enjoy the game live.

We encourage supporters to download their ticket prior to their arrival at the MCG.

Gates open

5:30pm: MCC Members Reserve
6:00pm: AFL Reserve (Gate 6) and Public Gates

Stadium Facilities

Find out more on the below stadium facilities:
Food outlets
Bars and cafes
Accessible facilities

A stadium directory is available here.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Haymes Paint Kick for Cash Returns 

Haymes Paint's Kick for Cash is back in 2023, with more ways to WIN. Yourself and a teammate can enter for a chance to kick for cash on the hallowed turf of the MCG. 

Minor prizes include a $200 Haymes Paint voucher and $200 cash, with the major prize being $10,000 awarded to your nominated local footy club. 

Got what it takes? Tell us in 25 words or less how your local club could benefit from $10,000 and you could get the chance to kick for cash. >>Enter here<<

01:50

New Balance's Demon Dash 

The Demon Dash returns to the ‘G at three-quarter time of every home game in 2023, thanks to New Balance.

Register now for your chance to run against a Demon PLUS win a $300 New Balance voucher and a pair of FuelCell Propel v4 just for participating.

>>Details and registration found here<<

The Demon Shop

The shop will be open on the day of the game, up until one hour after the final siren. The Demon Shop is located on Brunton Avenue, underneath light tower 4. 

More location info can be found here.

FOLLOW THE GAME

Broadcast and streaming

The game will be broadcast nationally via the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports from 7:00pm (AEDT).

Radio

Tune in on the below stations:
- Triple M
- 3AW
- SEN
- ABC 774
- AFL Nation

Check the AFL Broadcast Guide for interstate and regional radio timings.

Match Centre

Get live scores, stats and highlights via the Demons Match Centre. Available on the website and mobile app.

Round 1 | Match Centre

Get live scores, stats and highlights.

Match Centre

Social Media

Follow us across social media for a behind-the-scenes insight on game day as well as live match updates as they happen.

Use the hashtags #AFLDeesDogs and #DemonSpirit to join the conversation.

Facebook: facebook.com/MelbourneFC
Twitter: 
@MelbourneFC
Instagram: 
@melbournefc
TikTok: 
@melbournefc