The Sydney Swans will host the Melbourne Demons on Thursday night at the SCG in the opening round of the 2024 AFL season.
After an uninspiring start to the 2023 campaign – losing six of their first nine games – the Swans finished the regular season on a high note, winning six of their last eight en route to an eighth-place finish.
Similarly, the Melbourne Demons' 2023 season came to an end in early September at the hands of the Carlton in the semifinals. Alarmingly, it was their second consecutive straight-sets finals exit since winning the Premiership in 2021.
They are expected to feature deep into September in 2024 and will be aiming to get their campaigns off to a winning start here.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Sydney vs Melbourne in the AFL, plus plenty more.
Sydney vs Melbourne date and start time
| Date | Thursday, February 7, 2024 |
| Start time | 7:30 pm AEDT (6:30 pm AEST/7 pm ACDT/6:30 pm ACST/5:30 pm AWST) |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Location | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
How to watch Sydney vs Melbourne on TV & stream live online
There are several options to watch Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons AFL game in Australia, including Network Seven, Foxtel, Foxtel from Telstra, and Kayo Sports.
The best way to livestream the aforementioned AFL game is through Kayo with a seven-day free trial. It also does not have a lock-in contract or equipment fees, which means you can cancel anytime if you are no longer using it.
All you need to decide is whether you want to pick Kayo One at $25 per month (1 stream and up to HD), or Kayo Basic at $35 per month (2 streams and up to 4K).
What channel is Sydney vs Melbourne game on?
The game will be available to watch on Channel 7 on free-to-air TV, and Fox Footy on pay TV. ABC and AFL Nation will provide the radio coverage.
Streaming the game with a VPN
- Overview of VPN services that allow access to geo-restricted streams
- How to set up and use a VPN service to stream the match
You can watch the game from wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as NordVPN/ ExpressVPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work and you want to stream the game live.
If you are not sure which VPN to use or how to use a VPN, we have taken a look at the best options available out there for watching live sports - check out the best VPN services review here.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to watch a game when you are overseas:
- Install VPN of your choice - see our reviews here for the best options.
- Select the location you wish to connect to. This is easy - if you are visiting the UK and you wish to continue watching one of your U.S. streaming services, you would select the US.
- Grab the popcorn and get ready to watch!
Sydney vs Melbourne team news & squads
Sydney Swans team news
The Swans' biggest story coming out of pre-season has been the late damage to their midfield department, with veteran Luke Parker (arm) and Taylor Adams (knee) set to join skipper Callum Mills (shoulder) in the treatment room to start the season.
The injuries could lead to more opportunities, either for promising on-ballers Angus Sheldrick or Caleb Mitchell or for new winger James Jordon. Chad Warner and Tom Papley will return to John Longmire's side on Thursday after being rested for the Community Series encounter against Brisbane. Neither recruit Joel Hamling nor Lewis Melican feature here as the Swans take a light defence for their season opener.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Defenders | Harry Cunningham, Oliver Florent, Nick Blakey, Cooper Vickery, William Edwards, Joel Hamling, Tom McCartin, Robbie Fox, Jake Lloyd, Aaron Francis, Tom McCartin, Dane Rampe, Justin McInerney, William Edwards, Joel Hamling, Harrison Arnold, Patrick Snell, Lewis Melican. |
| Midfielders | Chad Warner, Taylor Adams, James Rowbottom, Angus Sheldrick, Callum Mills, Braeden Campbell, James Jordon, Indhi Kirk, Caiden Cleary, Matt Roberts, Caleb Mitchell |
| Rucks | Hayden McLean, Brodie Grundy, Peter Ladhams, William Green, Lachlan McAndrew |
| Forwards | Isaac Heeney, Will Hayward, Tom Papley, Sam Wicks, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Corey Warner, Jack Buller, Logan McDonald, Sam Reid, Joel Amartey |
Melbourne demons team news
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has confirmed Clayton Oliver will be in the team to take on the Sydney Swans in the season opener despite a turbulent off-season.
The Demons coach admitted the midfielder's mental health struggles would be an ongoing battle for the foreseeable future, but claimed he has been impressed with the 26-year-old in pre-season, and is convinced the four-time best-and-fairest winner is ready to go as the side gears up for the 2024 AFL season.
Top draft pick Caleb Windsor and young wingman Blake Howes, a 2021 draftee, will make their AFL debuts against the Swans. Former St Kilda midfielder-cum-forward Jack Billings will also play his first game for the Demons after he was traded at the end of last season.
The Demons have several injury and suspension worries. Kosi Pickett is suspended, while Harrison Petty (toe), Lachie Hunter (calf) and Shane McAdam (calf) are all likely to be out injured.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Defenders | Steven May, Jake Lever, Jake Bowey, Adam Tomlinson, Jed Adams, Marty Hore, Harrison Petty, Daniel Turner, Christian Salem, Judd McVee, Jake Bowey, Blake Howes, Trent Rivers |
| Midfielders | Christian Petracca, Caleb Windsor, Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw, Lachie Hunter, Clayton Oliver, Ed Langdon, Tom Sparrow, Kynan Brown, Andy Moniz-Wakefield |
| Rucks | Max Gawn, Will Verrall, Kyah Farris-White |
| Forwards | Charlie Spargo, Bailey Laurie, Jake Melksham, Shane McAdam, Alex Neal-Bullen, Bayley Fritsch, Kysaiah Pickett, Kade Chandler, Oliver Sestan, Koltyn Tholstrup, Taj Woewodin, Jacob Van Rooyen, Jack Billings, Josh Schache, Matthew Jefferson, Tom McDonald, Joel Smith, Tom Fullarton, Ben Brown |
Head-to-Head
| Date | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Sunday, 27 August 2023 | Sydney Swans 56-77 Melbourne Demons |
| Sunday, 2 April 2023 | Melbourne Demons 134-84 Sydney Swans |
| Saturday, 4 June 2022 | Melbourne Demons 61-73 Sydney Swans |
| Saturday, 8 May 2021 | Melbourne Demons 67-58 Sydney Swans |