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Following a record season attendance at the MCG, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), as ground manager of the MCG, welcomes the announcement of the 2024 AFL Premiership Season fixture, with four games at the ‘G in Round 1 setting the tone for another incredible season at the People’s Ground.
Round 1 will commence on Thursday March 14 with traditional rivals Carlton and Richmond in action, following the AFL’s newly introduced ‘Opening Round’ held over the weekend of March 7 – 9 in New South Wales and Queensland.The traditional opener between Carlton and Richmond is expected to draw another huge crowd after welcoming 88,084 fans to their opening clash earlier this year.
The MCG will host an additional three matches over Round 1 with reigning premiers Collingwood to face the Sydney Swans on Friday March 15 at an earlier start time of 7.40pm AEDT.
Essendon will host Hawthorn on Saturday March 16, with Round 1 at the ‘G to conclude with Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs on Sunday March 17.
The ANZAC Day Eve clash between Richmond and Melbourne returns to the MCG on Wednesday April 24, the night before the traditional ANZAC Day match between Essendon and Collingwood, with both games universally revered for capturing the significance of the occasion.
Carlton and Collingwood will meet in a much anticipated Friday night blockbuster on Friday May 3, with the two sides set to attract another massive crowd based on their most recent encounter during the 2023 season, which saw 86,785 fans in attendance.
Essendon and Carlton will once again play on the eve of the King’s Birthday Public Holiday on Sunday June 9, whilst Melbourne and Collingwood will be in action on King’s Birthday for the annual Big Freeze at the ‘G match.
The Brisbane Lions will face Collingwood on the MCG for the first time since the 2023 Grand Final in Round 23, while Melbourne will host Collingwood in Round 24.
The match dates and times for rounds 16 – 24 are yet to be confirmed.
Ticket on-sale dates will be announced in due course.
