A historic AFLW game at the MCG will mean more to Melbourne defender Libby Birch than just a preliminary final.
The Demons will host the Brisbane Lions on Saturday at the 100,000-capacity stadium in what shapes as a landmark event for women's sport.
It will be the first time since the inception of the competition in 2017 that AFLW teams have played on the hallowed turf at the MCG.
Birch has long been an advocate of staging women's games in stadiums rather than solely at suburban venues.
The Demons will now trade the low-key surrounds of their Casey Fields base for the MCG.
"It's extremely satisfying, and for all the fans out there, I feel like this game is more than a prelim between Melbourne and Brisbane," Birch said.
"It's a chance for all footy fans to get out here and celebrate women's footy.
"I truly believe that this is the game to do so, to get everyone here, not only to support Brisbane and Melbourne, but women's footy in Victoria and Australia.
"I'd absolutely love more round games to be played here, not just finals games.
"I think this is the point where we introduce women's footy to the 'G' and then maybe some double-headers with the men, Collingwood-Melbourne before or after would be a fantastic showcase of football."
Birch, who started her AFLW career with the Western Bulldogs in 2017 before moving to the Demons in 2020, has reflected on her experiences at the MCG.
A keen St Kilda supporter growing up, Birch remembers being in the crowd for the Saints' heartbreaking 2009 grand final loss against Geelong.
"We are not looking at (St Kilda legend) Lenny Hayes anymore," Birch said.
"We are looking at (Demons stars) Daisy Pearce, Tayla Harris, on the big stage."
However, it will not be the first women's match on the MCG as Melbourne hosted the Lions in an exhibition game back in 2016 prior to the inaugural AFLW season.
Fans will be granted free entry to the preliminary final ahead of the 12.40pm start.
Minor premiers Adelaide are in the box-seat to host the grand final as they prepare to play Fremantle in the other preliminary final this weekend.
However, should the Crows stumble against the Crows then Melbourne would have first-choice of where to stage the AFLW decider if they defeat the Lions.
Reigning premiers Brisbane are coming off a resounding 50-point victory over Collingwood in Sunday's qualifying final.
The Demons staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Lions by three points in their regular-season encounter in February.
