The AFL today announced two changes to the official AFL fixture for the 2000 Coca-Cola Premiership Season.

These are as follows:

The Round 12 match between Essendon and St Kilda, scheduled on Friday night May 26 at the MCG, will now be played at Colonial Stadium, commencing at 7.40pm.

The Round 13 match between Essendon and the Kangaroos, scheduled on Saturday night June 3 at Colonial Stadium, will now be played as a day game at the MCG on Sunday June 4, commencing at 2.10pm.

AFL Chief Executive Officer Wayne Jackson said the AFL wanted to shift the Essendon -- Kangaroos match to the MCG to ensure as many fans as possible would be able to see the game between two of the league's form teams who drew nearly 70,000 to a home and away match last season.

"The AFL wants to see the Essendon -- Kangaroos match open to as many football supporters as possible and we have received great support from a number of parties in being able to alter the fixture," Mr Jackson said.

"Essendon has been of great assistance through every step of this process and equally the Kangaroos, by agreeing to play on the Sunday of Round 13, will only have a five-day break before their next match against Brisbane in Round 14.

"The Melbourne Cricket Club, and Stephen Gough in particular, have been most helpful also."

Essendon Chief Executive Officer Peter Jackson said his club was more than happy to assist in the match transfers.

"We understand the need to maximise attendances and we are hopeful that this decision will result in a sizeable crowd attending the match" he said.

"The switch means we retain our seven-game commitment to Colonial Stadium. We believe this decision is in the best interests of football and the two venues involved."