The AFL has today confirmed updates to the round 19 fixture, with the Western Bulldogs now set to face Melbourne at the MCG this Saturday night.
The decision to reshuffle certain games over the next fortnight comes amid the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria.
The Dogs-Dees clash will be played in front of no crowds, with Channel 7 and Fox Footy to broadcast the match live.
The Bulldogs were due to host Adelaide at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday, and will now face them in round 20, with details of that game to be confirmed in due course.
“Our need to be open minded and flexible is critical to ensuring we can complete the AFL season with as minimal impact to our members and fans as possible," Bulldogs CEO, Ameet Bains, said.
“For the second time this year we’ll be playing in a top-of-the-table clash against Melbourne without fans, and while this is disappointing for the Club, our players and our supporters, we’re grateful to be home from Queensland and to be able to prepare for the game as we would any other week.
“We remain hopeful that the change to the fixture also gives our members with a Ballarat access entitlement the best opportunity to be at Mars Stadium to watch the team play again in the final month of the home and away season.
“We thank our members and fans for their ongoing support and we will continue to provide relevant updates as soon as they are available.”
Round 19
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 24 July, 7.25pm AEST
MCG
Round 20
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Crows
TBC
