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Demons taking AFL back to Alice Springs

3 minute read

The AFL has confirmed Melbourne will play St Kilda Traeger Park in Alice Springs as part of the round 14 fixture.

Melbourne Demons.
Melbourne Demons. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne will host an AFL match in Alice Springs for the seventh consecutive year when they take on St Kilda on August 29.

The annual 'Heart of the Nation' match will form part of the round 14 fixture, the rest of which will be released in the coming days.

It will be the third Northern Territory fixture in the space of eight days, with Darwin to host Gold Coast-Carlton and the Essendon-Richmond 'Dreamtime' feature match in round 13.

The Demons have a 2-4 record at Traeger Park since signing an agreement with the NT government to play one home match in Alice Springs each season.

The deal had been in jeopardy this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"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," Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert said.

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

Confirmation of the Alice Springs match comes as the AFL prepares to announce further games in Cairns as part of its rolling fixture.

The AFL is attempting to complete a 153-match home-and-away season, plus finals, while working within various state and territory COVID-19 restrictions.

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