VFL curtain-raisers set to return to MCG in 2019

MULTIPLE VFL curtain-raisers will return to the home of football in 2019.

An agreement, in principle, struck on Monday between the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and AFL sees four VFL fixtures set for the MCG prior to AFL matches next year.

In a boost for fans, it will also result in the AFL reducing the time between the end of a curtain-raiser and the start of an AFL matches from around 60 minutes to a minimum of 35-45 minutes.

It comes as the VFL fixture is set to be announced on Wednesday, with specific curtain-raiser details expected to be finalised in the New Year.

Marvel Stadium curtain-raisers are also set to rise from three in 2018, with affiliate-tenants North Melbourne, Essendon, Western Bulldogs (Footscray), St Kida (Sandringham) and Carlton (Northern Blues) tipped to be involved.

AFL.com.au understands the move was originally raised by Channel Seven in a cost-saving strategy to create a VFL-AFL double header prior to their broadcast Sunday 3.20pm AFL game.

With camera equipment, staff and broadcast trucks already set up at the ground, it will allow the VFL coverage to roll straight into the AFL pre-game and the match.

VFL matches tipped to be held at the MCG include Richmond's clashes with Box Hill (Hawthorn) in May and the Northern Blues in August prior to their respective AFL matches that day.

Geelong's annual Country Match with Essendon on Sunday May 5 is also being discussed to hold a curtain-raiser between the club's VFL sides.

The Cats are also planning on holding two curtain-raisers prior to AFL fixtures against St Kilda (round 17) and North Melbourne (round 21) at GMHBA Stadium – down from three in 2018.

Fans will also be able to watch the AFL Academy under-18s take on Melbourne's VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions in a hit-out prior to the Demons' clash with St Kilda in round five at the MCG.

The decision to scrap the official warm-up last year allowed the move of the curtain-raiser to be pushed closer to the start of the AFL fixture.

Last year the curtain-raisers at Marvel Stadium and GMHBA Stadium all finished at least 70 minutes prior to the AFL match.