Melbourne to host five AFL Round 1 games

The MCG will host the first three games of the 2021 AFL season, with football set to return in front of crowds in Melbourne for the first time since the 2019 Grand Final.

Five of the nine round one games will be held in Melbourne, with Richmond and Carlton to kick off the season at the MCG on Thursday, March 18.

At that game, the Tigers are expected to unfurl both their 2019 and 2020 premiership flags.

Western Bulldogs recruit Adam Treloar is poised to make his debut against his former club Collingwood the following night – a game where the Dogs could debut No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Melbourne will then play Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon while grand finalists Geelong are set to unveil their bevy of recruits, including Jeremy Cameron, in Adelaide against the Crows.

ROUND 1 AFL FIXTURE (ALL TIMES AEDT)

Thursday, March 18

Richmond vs. Carlton, MCG, 7.25pm

Friday, March 19

Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs, MCG, 7.50pm

Saturday, March 20

Melbourne vs. Fremantle, MCG, 1.45pm

Adelaide vs. Geelong, Adelaide Oval, 4.35pm

Essendon vs. Hawthorn, Marvel Stadium, 7.25pm

Brisbane vs. Sydney, Gabba, 7.15pm

Sunday, March 21

North Melbourne vs. Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm

Greater Western Sydney vs. St Kilda, Giants Stadium, 3.20pm

West Coast vs. Gold Coast, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm