Port Adelaide will get one last match in front of its adoring home crowd after the AFL confirmed that one of the two preliminary finals would be played at the Adelaide Oval.
The Power will host the Western Bulldogs at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, after the Bulldogs prevailed in a heart-stopping semi-final against the Brisbane Lions.
Melbourne will host Geelong in Perth at Optus Stadium on Friday night after the Cats held off a gallant GWS Giants side at the same venue.
Both the Demons and Cats will continue to serve their quarantine periods in Western Australia before meeting at Optus on Friday.
Following their win over the Lions in Brisbane, the Bulldogs will be required to travel to Perth on Sunday morning and will remain in Western Australia before travelling to South Australia against their preliminary final against the Power.
Both preliminary final fixtures have been organised in a way that ensures all four teams involved have had at least a seven-day break heading into their respective matches.
“The AFL, together with all teams participating in the 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series, have agreed to strict travel arrangements and other protocols as approved by respective State Governments,” AFL fixtures boss Travis Auld said in a statement.
“The Western Bulldogs’ travel arrangements have been made in close consultation with the club and aim to minimise any risk ahead of their Preliminary Final.
CONFIRMED AFL PRELIMINARY FINAL FIXTURES
Friday, September 10: Melbourne v Geelong at Optus Stadium, 7:50pm AEST
Saturday: September 11: Port Adelaide v Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm AEST