Will Hamill and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in action during the round eight clash between Adelaide and Essendon at Adelaide Oval on July 26, 2020. Picture: Getty Images

The AFL wishes to advise of key updates relating to matches of Round 17 of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

As communicated last week, Port Adelaide will host Melbourne in the opening match of the Round at Adelaide Oval at 7:10pm ACST (7:40pm AEST) on Thursday, July 8.

The following updates to Round 17 are as follows:

  • Essendon will host the Adelaide Crows at Marvel Stadium at 7:50pm AEST on Friday, July 9.

  • Hawthorn will host Fremantle at University of Tasmania Stadium at 1:45pm AEST on Saturday, July 10. Fremantle will return to Western Australia after the match.

  • Carlton will host the Geelong Cats at the MCG at 4:35pm AEST on Saturday, July 10.

  • The Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda match will take place at 7:25pm AEST on Saturday, July 10. The venue for this game will be communicated once arrangements are finalised.

  • The GWS GIANTS vs. Gold Coast SUNS match will take place at 12:40pm AEST on Sunday, July 11. The venue for this game will be communicated once arrangements are finalised.

  • The Western Bulldogs will host the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium at 3:20pm AEST on Sunday, July 11.

  • Richmond will host Collingwood at the MCG at 4:10pm AEST on Sunday, July 11.

  • The West Coast Eagles will host North Melbourne at Optus Stadium at 5:40pm AWST (7:40pm AEST) on Monday, July 12. The decision to play this game on Monday night follows the Western Australian Government announcement today that the Stadium’s permitted capacity will return to 100 per cent from July 12. The Eagles will return to WA tomorrow via charter flight together with the West Coast Fever netball team who have been adhering to strict protocols during their stay in Melbourne.

AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said he was pleased to be able to confirm details for seven of nine matches in Round 17.

“We are pleased to be able to confirm the locations for seven of the nine games for Round 17 with an aim to finalising arrangements for the two outstanding games as early as tomorrow,” Mr Auld said.

“We understand how important it is for supporters to know when their teams are playing as early as possible, and we thank each fan for their continued support of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

“There are really strong matchups this round – from Thursday night’s top-four clash to matches involving teams trying to work their way into the top eight.

“In Perth, we are looking forward to seeing a packed Optus Stadium after it returns to 100 per cent capacity on Monday night for the contest between the West Coast Eagles and North Melbourne.

“We will continue to work closely with respective State Governments, all AFL Clubs and other key stakeholders as we progress the season while ensuring the health and safety of the community remains paramount.”

Round 17

Thursday, July 8
Port Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACST

Friday, July 9
Essendon v Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, 7.50pm AEST

Saturday, July 10
Hawthorn v Fremantle at University of Tasmania Stadium, 1.45pm AEST
Carlton v Geelong at the MCG, 4.35pm AEST
Brisbane v St Kilda TBC, 7.25pm AEST

Sunday, July 11
Greater Western Sydney v Gold Coast at TBC, 12.40pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Sydney at Marvel Stadium, 3.20pm AEST
Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG, 4.10pm AEST

Monday, July 12
West Coast v North Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 5.40pm AWST