MELBOURNE’S Round 14 fixture has been announced, with a match in Alice Springs locked in for three weeks’ time.

The trip to the Northern Territory will see the Demons take on the Saints in the Heart of the Nation game – one which could have an impact on the ladder come seasons’ end.

The clash at TIO Traeger Park will be the Demons’ seventh at the venue, with St Kilda to venture to Central Australia for the first time in its history.

While the Saints are currently fixed inside the top eight on seven wins, Melbourne (five wins) does have a game in hand.

The Dees will face Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs – teams sitting either side of them on the ladder – in the next two weeks, as it approaches a crucial block of fixturing in the context of 2020.

And to be playing such a big game on a ground that Melbourne has called home since 2014 is special to CEO Gary Pert.

“As a club, we’re really excited to be heading back to Alice Springs this season,” Pert told Melbourne Media.

“We’ve developed a really strong connection with the community in the NT and I know the players love playing in front of the fans up there.

“Traeger Park feels like a home ground for us, so it’s a great opportunity to get out there and showcase our game.

“We would also like to extend our thanks to the Northern Territory government for hosting this game through such challenging times.”

Round 14 – Melbourne v St Kilda @ TIO Traeger Park

Details: Saturday 29th August – 7:40pm AEST

Broadcast: Seven