When the 2020 AFL Premiership Season resumes with a blockbuster Thursday night clash on 11 June, it will be on a near-perfect MCG turf.
The revised AFL fixture for rounds 2-5, released today, will see Collingwood host Richmond at the MCG to re-launch the 2020 Premiership Season, after play was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.While the nine week hiatus has been trying for many footy fans, MCC Executive Manager of Turf Michael Salvatore says it has provided an unprecedented opportunity for the hallowed turf to grow and recover.
“I’ve never seen the coverage – or the health – of the ground this good,” he said.
“From a purely turf side of things, it’s been fantastic. It doesn’t have any wear and tear.”
Salvatore and his team of seven had prepared the turf for round 1 of the AFL Season on just a nine day turnaround from the Women’s T20 World Cup Final on 8 March. Since play was suspended on 22 March, the turf has undergone a growing period rarely permitted by a full MCG calendar.
“Basically it’s a giant lawn at the moment and we just get to pamper it,” Salvatore said.
“We’d never get this opportunity to grow the turf.”
The AFL’s announcement of the fixture for rounds 2-5 comes as it seeks to maintain flexibility amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with states having different restrictions in place. The resumption of play will be without crowds for the foreseeable future, in line with government restrictions on mass gatherings.
All matches will be broadcast on Channel 7, Fox Footy or the AFL Live App.
Rounds 2–5 at the MCG
Round 2
Thursday 11 June, 7:40pm AEST
Collingwood v Richmond
Round 3
Thursday 18 June, 7:40pm AEST
Richmond v Hawthorn
Saturday 20 June, 4:35pm
Collingwood v St Kilda
Sunday 21 June, 3:35pm
Essendon v Melbourne - POSTPONED
Round 4
Saturday 27 June, 7:40pm
Essendon v Carlton
Sunday 28 June, 3:35pm
Melbourne v Geelong
Round 5
Friday 3 July, 7:50pm
Collingwood v Essendon
Saturday 4 July, 1:45pm
Carlton v St Kilda
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