The second installment of the ‘Country Game’ blockbuster is expected to build upon the momentum generated by the first edition. 

Essendon will again host Geelong at the MCG, but this time the game will be played at night (Saturday May 13) and fall during a break in the country football schedule.

“The second stage of growing this game is curating greater platforms for accessibility,” Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said.

“Aligning with the interleague bye for the country football and netball leagues is really important for us.

“It’s going to be a great platform for us to grow the game and hopefully increase country attendees in a big way.” 

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The Bombers says they’re happy with the 2017 fixture that includes 13 games on either Friday night, Saturday afternoon or Saturday night.

“The first half of our fixture is packed with blockbusters,” Campbell said.

“Kicking off the year against an arch rival in Hawthorn on Saturday night at the MCG… Country Game against Geelong on a Saturday night at the MCG … ANZAC Day, Dreamtime – they’re all in the first half of the year.

“And the lion's share of our games are played in traditional timeslots which I know our fans will be happy with.”

Essendon will play interstate six times with two trips to Sydney, two to Queensland and one to Adelaide and Perth. 

“We encourage that and we’re happy about that, we want to be getting out to our members across the country,” Campbell said. 

“We’re a big Australian Club and it’s important we give them the opportunity to come and see us.”

Essendon will host the Country Game clash against Geelong in round eight on Saturday May 13 at 7:25pm.