PORT ADELAIDE will host Melbourne next Thursday night at Adelaide Oval in a Round 17 blockbuster as announced by the AFL tonight.

Commencing at 7.10pm local time, the game will be beamed throughout Australia free-to-air on Channel 7.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said it promises to be a huge night for the club.

“To host a quality side like Melbourne at Adelaide Oval in a standalone Thursday night fixture is very exciting,” said Mr Richardson.

“A couple of weeks ago we had a strong crowd against Geelong on a Thursday night, so with school holidays now underway here in South Australia we expect this game to be a hot ticket amongst our members and supporters.

“We will wait to hear from SA Health in regards to attendance capacity and once we know we’ll communicate directly to our members and supporters on how to secure tickets for this game.

“As a club we are thrilled to have another opportunity to test ourselves against high quality opposition on a big stage.”

This game is Port Adelaide’s seventh national free-to-air game so far this season.