Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham and Matildas-laden Arsenal will join Newcastle United in Melbourne this year for exhibition matches at the MCG and Docklands.
Tottenham will face Newcastle United in a midweek friendly at the MCG on May 22, while Arsenal – featuring Matildas stars Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross – will headline a friendly against an A-League All Stars match on May 24.
Newcastle United’s men’s team will play an opening game before this match, also against an A-League All Stars team.
Tottenham sporting director Scott Munn said he was hopeful all of Tottenham’s star players would be available despite the game coming just two days after the club’s final Premier League game of the season.
“I think there’s only one player (Timo Werner) getting married this weekend, so he probably won’t travel,” Munn said.
The matches will take place during the AFL season, with the MCG hosting Aussie Rules matches on May 19 and 25, while Docklands will host matches on May 23 and 25.
The A-League Men’s Grand Final will take place on May 25 or 26.
Former Socceroo and current Spurs staff member Mile Jedinak said he hoped the games would help get Australians interested in football.
“I just remember my own childhood and some big games that I watched on TV and they were all very inspiring. So I see this event as no different,” he said.
“Only time will tell, but we can plant the seed of inspiration.”
