Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has stated he would welcome the idea of a grand final rematch against the Demons to open his club's 2022 campaign.
Reports have begun to emerge and mould how the opening round for next year will shape, with the Blues and Tigers set to hold their traditional place in kickstarting the AFL's new season.
The league have not held a grand final rematch in the opening round of a season since 2009, with the prospect of Melbourne facing the Dogs in Round 1 next year a recent request of Demons CEO Gary Pert.
Victorians are sure to flock into the stands come the return of the AFL next year, with the thought of the Demons being welcomed back in front of a packed MCG and unveiling their drought-breaking flag to their fans a fitting idea.
The Dogs will also be looking to quickly place the grand final loss behind them, with an early win over the reigning premiers in 2022 the perfect confidence booster needed to begin a premiership run.
Speaking toย The Age,ย Bontempelli said he "wouldn't be against" clashing with Melbourne in Round 1 next year.
โYou are always happy to play in good games, big games, especially for the people who have missed out, unfortunately, on seeing so much of the football over the last two seasons,โ the Dogs skipper said.
โI definitely wouldnโt be against playing in another big game at the โG.
"Obviously, the Melbourne fans and supporters, they have definitely earned the right to try and celebrate what they have achieved, which is another drought-breaking sort of premiership.โ
The Demons will be able to lift their premiership cup in front of their faithful before the new year, with the club looking to hold a family day at the MCG in December.
With restrictions easing in Victoria, MCC boss Staurt Fox has flagged that an event to reunite the Demons and their fans is in the works.
"We've been talking to (Melbourne) for some time now," Fox said onย SEN.
"There's a tentative date there in early December for a family day.
"It's yet to be announced but I think (Sunday's) news (from the state government) makes it more likely we could do it in conjunction with Melbourne.
"Given their success, I think there would be a huge demand from their members and fans to come along and celebrate with the team.
"They can raise the cup at the 'G, which obviously didn't happen this year."
Speaking with The Herald Sun, Pert revealed that the club is eyeing Sunday, December 5 for their potential MCG party in unveiling the premiership cup, pending eased restrictions from the state government.
โWe would like it to be December 5 and the last few days have made it seem more realistic we can make it something really special. We are putting a plan in place around how the day could work and still be something that fits in with the requirements with the government."
