Melbourne are embracing the low-key finals build-up away from the Victorian AFL bubble as the Demons chase their first premiership since 1964.
The Demons have spent the last week quarantining in the Perth suburb of Joondalup ahead of Friday night's preliminary final against Geelong.
Before COVID-19, the footy-mad city of Melbourne would have been fully focused on the Demons' best tilt at a flag in 57 years.
But the coronavirus situation in Victoria has forced the AFL to move the finals series, and the grand final, away from the MCG.
Instead of playing the Cats in front of more than 90,000 people at the MCG for a spot in the decider, they will run out on Perth's Optus Stadium.
"The build up's certainly different," Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney said when comparing the Demons' last preliminary final in 2018.
"Not being amongst the atmosphere, the hype of being around our fans in Melbourne.
"Not being exposed to the atmosphere of finals, particularly a prelim, is something that is lacking.
"We're in difficult and interesting times and we're just doing the best we can."
After turning down a lucrative offer to join Geelong last year, Viney has played an important rule in the Demons' resurgence this season.
The 27-year-old is over a toe issue which ruled him out for two months mid-season and has been able to return to near his best form.
"I'm in the best position I've been all year and been able to string some games together now so looking to build on that," Viney said.
