THE Casey Demons will take part in a VFL curtain-raiser against Footscray at Marvel Stadium, prior to Melbourne's round 17 clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday 14 July.

The match is one of nine VFL curtain-raisers to be held in 2019, with the AFL reducing the gap before AFL matches to ensure early games receive more exposure. 

As reported by AFL.com.au in December, the length of time between senior fixtures and VFL matches will close from an hour to 45 minutes in a boost for supporters hoping to attend.

In a further positive for supporters, Channel 7 will broadcast all seven of the VFL curtain-raisers set to lead into their Sunday afternoon AFL broadcast matches.

In a statement released on Monday, the AFL's operations boss Steve Hocking suggested the move would also help mature-aged players hoping to earn their opportunity on senior lists.

"For VFL-listed players, the potential exposure and experience of playing at elite AFL venues provides them with a preview of what could be, with many players hoping to emulate the achievements of the 14 VFL players drafted to AFL clubs in 2018," Hocking said.

"We have reduced the time gap between the final siren of the VFL match and the start of the AFL game from one hour down to 45 minutes to ensure fans can enjoy a day at the football watching their VFL and AFL teams play back-to-back." 

VFL curtain-raiser info

VFL Round 15: Footscray v Casey at Marvel Stadium (Sunday 14 July, 11.50am)
AFL Round 17: Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Marvel Stadium (Sunday 14 July, 3.20pm)