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Last weekend in the AFL, we saw two fantastic matches at the MCG. Big crowds were on hand, something you cannot get at any other ground in Australia.
The MCG is the mecca of sport in the country and it is fantastic that every Melbourne team plays at the ground as it allows more fans to watch their team.
However, as last year’s stadium return negotiations showed, the AFL crucially lacks something the NRL has. That factor is the suburban grounds that clubs abandoned 15 years ago for the almighty dollar.
AFL fans in South West Melbourne suffer greatly.
Most of the Melbourne populous lives in this area, and it takes them a long time to make it to the fabulous modern grounds in the CBD.
It a serious issue, especially for families who cannot take their kids to games due to travel time.
AFL clubs like St Kilda and Hawthorn, who based themselves in this area, have missed out on a gold mine by allowing Waverley to be sold with no plan for South West Melbourne. Likewise, the inept previous Carlton administration left Princess Park for the pain of dealing with Etihad Stadium.
The NRL has always had that feeling of suburbia.
Its small suburban grounds are still in play. While this year has shown it is a hindrance at times, it is also a bonus for NRL clubs as it allows for a sense of a community day out.
The AFL clubs abandoned this for money and have now fallen into the clutches of a duopoly.
All is not lost, though, if clubs adopt this plan. The AFL is introducing two new clubs in the next few years. This means each club gets one extra home game, meaning at least ten extra games in Melbourne.
The AFL has 45 and 46 matches scheduled at the MCG and Etihad. respectively. Its contract for matches can go as low 40 matches at each ground.
This leaves about 20 matches that can be played at suburban grounds.
Casey Fields out in the west is AFL standard in all but seating, and Princess Park needs some small redevelopment to rejuvenate it.
My plan is for the AFL to take these 20 matches from each of the big grounds and play them at these two grounds.
Casey Fields is upgraded to 22,000 and Princess Park is upgraded to 28,000, allowing for the smaller matches to be played at grounds where fans can readily make it to the games.
It will limit revenue but it will win back heartland fans.
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