Melbourne are poised to show off their first AFL premiership cup in 57 years to adoring fans at the MCG in early December.
The Demons are hoping to stage an event at their home ground to celebrate September’s drought-breaking grand final victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Many diehard supporters were forced to watch the Perth decider locked down and under a 9pm curfew due to Melbourne’s COVID-19 crisis.
But with Victoria set to hit its 80 per cent full vaccination target this week, meaning restrictions will ease further, the Demons are likely to be able to hold a family day with thousands of fans in attendance.
December 5 has been flagged as the most likely date.
“We’ve been talking to (Melbourne) for some time now,” MCC boss Stuart Fox told SEN.
“There’s a tentative date there in early December for a family day.
“It’s yet to be announced but I think (Sunday’s) news (from the state government) makes it more likely we could do it in conjunction with Melbourne.
“Given their success, I think there would be a huge demand from their members and fans to come along and celebrate with the team.
“They can raise the cup at the ‘G, which obviously didn’t happen this year.”
The morning after the Demons’ first flag since 1964, Melbourne president Kate Roffey spoke about her wish for the delayed celebrations.
“My dream is that we can go back to the MCG, replay the game, replay the presentation of medals and have the players there and have that beautiful cup that I have now held as a premiership president,” she told ABC TV.
Crowds were allowed at MCG games during periods of last season, highlighted by 78,113 people watching the ANZAC Day blockbuster.
But the finals series was played outside of Melbourne for the second-straight year after games in Victoria were played behind closed doors for the last six weeks of the home-and-away season.
“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,” Fox said.
“We’re hoping for full capacity (by next season).”
Meanwhile, premiership defender Harrison Petty has been rewarded for a breakout season by earning a bumper new contract.
Petty, who proved to be a key cog down back when Adam Tomlinson went down with a season-ending knee injury, has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Demons until the end of 2025.
“Harrison is a crucial piece of our future and we anticipate him being a key member of our defensive unit for many years to come,” Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said.
