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AFL: MCG set to host premiership celebration in December

 NCA NewsWire
Not Supplied
Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

New freedoms in Victoria are set to pave the way for AFL premiers Melbourne to finally celebrate their success with supporters at the MCG on December 5.

The Demons broke a 57-year premiership drought last month in their grand final win over the Western Bulldogs, played at Perth’s Optus Stadium and not the MCG.

Normal premiership celebrations couldn’t be held, with success-starved Melbourne fans unable to join in.

But as Victoria moves out of its Covid crisis and with more restrictions set to when the state hits a 90 per cent double-vaccination rate, Melbourne has confirmed all players and coach Simon Goodwin will present the premiership cup to supporters at their home ground.

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“This event is incredibly important to us, as it is the first chance our players, coaches and the wider club will have to thank our supporters for their amazing support and loyalty, “ Melbourne CEO Gary Pert said.

“The entire finals series we were conscious of just how tough it was back in Victoria and that the one thing we could do for our supporters was to bring the cup home to Melbourne.

“Our supporters have been unbelievably loyal and patient for a long period of time, particularly over the last two years while we have battled the impacts of the global pandemic.

“We have said all along that as soon as restrictions allow, we would make it a priority to bring the club together to celebrate the 2021 Premiership and to thank our supporters for the incredible role they played in making this premiership possible.

“We would like to hold the event on the first Sunday in December and a key priority for us right now is creating an event where we have the opportunity to celebrate this historic occasion appropriately and in a safe environment.”

2021 AFL Grand Final
Camera IconOnly fans in Perth got to celebrate with the AFL premiership cup. Michael Klein Credit: News Corp Australia

The MCG has been empty for most of the past two seasons, and all AFL finals in 2021 were played interstate.

Melbourne is expected to officially unfurl its premiership flag in round 1 next year, possibly with a grand final rematch against the Bulldogs.

Fox said with crowds set to return to near full capacity as soon as the Boxing Day Ashes cricket Test, a packed MCG should be there to see the unfurling next year.

“Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could kick off the (2022) football season with full crowds and those blockbuster games where we typically see 90,000?” MCC boss Stuart Fox told SEN on Monday.

“We’re hoping for full capacity (by next season).”

Originally published as AFL: MCG set to host premiership celebration in December

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