MELBOURNE will head west in the Opening Round of the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, taking on West Coast at Optus Stadium.

The two sides will do battle on Sunday 22nd March at 3.20pm AWST, in what will mark only the second occasion they have met in Round 1.

It will also be the first time in 22 years the Demons have opened their season interstate – their last encounter was against Fremantle in 1998 at Subiaco Oval.

After falling short both times it met West Coast in 2019 – the Eagles were 16-point winners in Round 9 and 13-point victors in Round 18 – Melbourne will be eager to kick off its 2020 campaign on top.

With both clubs actively involved in this year’s Trade Period, the game could see some exciting match-ups.

Wingmen Adam Tomlinson and Ed Langdon could make their debuts for the red and blue, expectant to have an immediate impact on the team, while the Eagles may look to include new arrival Tim Kelly.

The full 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture will be announced later this week. 

2020 Opening Round

Thursday, March 19

Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, 7.25pm AEDT

Friday, March 20

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood at Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm AEDT

Saturday, March 21

Essendon v Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, 1.45pm AEDT
Adelaide v Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 4.05pm ACDT
Greater Western Sydney v Geelong at Giants Stadium, 7.25pm AEDT
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium, 6.25pm AEST

Sunday, March 22

North Melbourne v St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm AEDT
Hawthorn v Brisbane at the MCG, 3.20pm AEDT
West Coast v Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 3.20pm AWST