Melbourne Demons premiership party details revealed

They waited 57 years for their team to win a premiership, now Melbourne fans can celebrate in style with a special event at the MCG.

Melbourne’s official AFL premiership party is set to be the biggest major event in Victoria in six months as jubilant fans rush to celebrate a grand old flag.

After waiting 57 years to see their team win the grand final, long suffering Demons supporters will turn out en masse at the MCG next Sunday to salute their premiership heroes.

A crowd of up to 40,000 fans is expected at the home of football to see Max Gawn’s triumphant Melbourne team feted for its September glory over the Western Bulldogs.

Melbourne chief executive Gary Pert told the Sunday Herald Sun the celebration would re-create the grand final, with players presented their premiership medals on the ground.

“It’s going to be a pretty big celebration,’’ he said.

The entire grand final will be replayed on the MCG’s big screens, with past and present Dees players to address the crowd during breaks and post-match.

The premiers will do a lap of honour with the premiership cup, fans will be allowed to pose for photos with the trophy and there will be half time entertainment.

Premiership coach Simon Goodwin will give the post-match speech he was denied in September due to a gaff by Channel 7 presenter Basil Zempalis.

And captain Gawn and Norm Smith Medallist Christian Petracca will be among Demons stars to address the red and blue faithful.

“There will also be some other things that we will be creating as special moments that people will remember for the rest of their lives,’’ Mr Pert said.

“I think it will be a special day.’’

Entry is free but every fan must register for a ticket, be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination to enter the MCG.

Mr Pert said more than 32,000 tickets were snapped up in two days, including most of the MCC reserve.

Karina Childs, Eliza Anderson, 5, Mick Walker, Tom Anderson, 8, and Catherine Picioane are excited to celebrate the Dees’ win. Picture: Nicki Connolly

The last time a crowd that big rocked the MCG was May 22, when 45,741 fans watched Carlton defeat Hawthorn.

“What the premiership and the premiership cup does is it allows us to recconect everyone,’’ he said.

“It allows us to have some celebration together and share some of the things we’ve missed out on for the last 18 months.’’

He said the premiership party would also be the first time the playing group, coaches and staff shared the moment together with friends and families.

“It’s taken us this long to get approval to get everyone together so this is a celebration for the football department and their families, as much as it is the supporters as well,’’ he said.

The MCC last week submitted a new Covid-safe plan including a request to scrap five separate fan zones at the ground, meaning even bigger crowds could be accommodated if the state government approves it in time.

With the MCG sitting empty far too long, MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said the premiership celebration was a fitting way to welcome back the masses.

“After months without big crowds at the MCG, this is the perfect event to kick start an exciting summer of sport,’’ he said.

The Dees’ success has sparked a merchandise and membership bonanza with Mr Pert revealing the club had its sights set on a record 65,000 members – 11,812 more than ever before.

He said the club would save its flag unfurling ceremony until next season to give supporters something else to smile about.

Originally published as Melbourne Demons premiership party details revealed