AFL premiership favourites Melbourne have been accustomed to featuring as the main event, rather than the support act, in recent seasons.
But coach Simon Goodwin concedes his side will play second fiddle in Saturday's Gather Round double-header at a sold-out Adelaide Oval.
The Demons take on Essendon before hometown outfit Port Adelaide host the Western Bulldogs.
"It's not too often you play in a curtain-raiser, but that's us this week," South Adelaide product and former Crows champion Goodwin said.
"(Gather Round) is something the AFL have wanted to have a go at, getting all the teams in one state, and I think it's exciting for the state of South Australia.
"I'm a South Australian boy growing up and I know how much passion they have around the game of footy, and how much it will bring life to the city of Adelaide.
"I'm sure they'll put on a great spectacle ... and I think it's a concept that we're going to see moving forward."
Melbourne have won nine of their past 11 games at Adelaide Oval, including a 'home' qualifying final against Brisbane in 2021.
They are more than comfortable at the venue but are wary of opponents Essendon, who have won three of their first four games under new coach Brad Scott.
"In all their games they've been able to either impact the scoreboard or find a way back into the game," Goodwin said.
"They're competing really strongly, they've got some quality players in the middle of the ground and they've been a really resilient footy club under Brad Scott.
"We know the challenges that are going to be in front of us."
Ben Brown returns from injury to add firepower for the Demons, who have also recalled Adam Tomlinson.
Defensive duo Jake Lever (ankle) and Michael Hibberd (achilles soreness) are out injured.
Essendon have recalled Will Snelling for his first senior game of the season after losing former Melbourne key forward Sam Weideman to concussion protocols.
Bombers goal sneak Alwyn Davey Jr has been managed.
