It's back in 2022!

This year at the MCG, the Powercor Country Festival will continue to support our regional communities and producers, and celebrate their contribution to our country.

Game details:

Geelong Cats v Essendon 
Saturday, March 19
Bounce 2:10pm
MCG

Click here to secure your seats for the round one clash at the MCG.

• Members: 2pm Tuesday, March 1
• General Public: 10am Wednesday, March 2

Trains

There are two train stations close to the MCG - Jolimont (otherwise known as MCG Station) is north of the ground and offers a five-minute stroll through Yarra Park to the ground. From any railway station in the central business district, take the Hurstbridge or Epping lines.

The other station is Richmond on the south eastern side of the MCG. It's a slightly longer walk to the ground but you can walk past the Punt Road Oval to the Great Southern Stand side.

To get to Richmond station from the city, take any train on the Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, Glen Waverley, Dandenong, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Frankston or Sandringham lines.

Trams

Three tram routes provide access to the MCG.

No. 75 (City-Vermont South) travels along Flinders St and connects with the eastern suburbs via Wellington Parade.

No. 48 (Docklands/City-North Balwyn) travels along Collins Street and connects with the eastern suburbs via Wellington Parade. Both these routes stop just outside the MCG. 

No. 70 (Docklands/City-Wattle Park) travels along Flinders Street then detours via Melbourne Park and the tram stop is a short walk across the footbridge to the ground.

Buses

The Bus route 246 is run by National Bus Company, which links La Trobe University with Elsternwick Station in a useful service for patrons from the northern and southern suburbs. The 246 stops in Punt Road, just a punt kick from the ground.

Cars

Car parking is usually available at the MCG in Yarra Park on event days. This land is controlled by Melbourne Cricket Club and managed on event days by Care Park.

Parking currently costs $10 per car. Occasionally parts of Yarra Park are closed to save the grass after heavy rain. Street parking is very limited.

Stream the match live on Kayo, afl.com.au or the AFL app.

The round one clash will also be broadcast on Fox Footy.

Check out the full 2022 broadcast guide now. 

Fans will be treated to a range of exciting activations and giveaways on the day with a farmer’s market, food trucks, footy activities and inflatables spread across the Yarra Park precinct. There also be live music from Imogen Clarke, the Mik Maks, Field, See & Mason, and headliner Casey Barnes. 

All festivities kick off at 10am, so get there early to show your support for our regional communities and kick off the 2022 AFL season in style. 

Live entertainment: Set times