If you don’t like big crowds, stay away from the MCG for the next few Saturday afternoons. That’s right. It still exists. With the big television rights push and more time slots to choose from, the Saturday afternoon time-slot is alive and well (for at least four weeks, anyway).
Almost 70,000 supporters turned up for week one of a four week series of great games, and potential massive crowds for the most traditional of times.
Looks like the fixture for the month of July was done by a few 60 year old men down the pub over a few pots because Saturday afternoon footy is alive and well.
On Saturday, we witnessed big names players display their wares – Franklin, Ablett, Chapman, Hodge, Scarlett and Rioli ran around on the hallowed turf at 2:10pm on a Saturday, as supporters watched on a cold July day thermos and pie at the ready.
With split rounds and weeknight fixtures and public holiday matches, the Saturday has taken a back seat, but I would urge everyone who loves footy and tradition to get to the G over the next three Saturdays.
Next week we have second versus third.
Collingwood are flying at the moment and St Kilda is slowly going about their ‘Saints footy’ winning their last seven matches. Saint Nick is back after his long lay-off and the Pies are playing exciting footy.
If Ross Lyon and his coaching staff don’t try and strangle the life out of the game, the strong Collingwood army will pack the G and an exciting game should give all supporters an entree to September.
If that’s not enough, the red hot Tigers are paying Collingwood a visit. The Tigers are having a purple patch of form. And don’t their supporters deserve it.
You would think a lean period in their proud history would keep supporters away, but it is the opposite of this. Richmond love the MCG, and Collingwood Vs Richmond would produce a crowd of around 85,000.
Week four of July is one of the biggest games on the football calendar. Collingwood Vs Carlton … If you follow either club, you are taught to hate the other. It’s not a player, coach or era based scenario, it’s encrypted into your football DNA.
Both teams are in the top half on the ladder and both will feature in the 2010 finals series. This will be close to a sell out, and deserving of the best time slot the game has to give.
Michael C
Roar Guru
Okay, Coll v StK got the 80,000 odd, but, 43,000 for Rich v NthM was okay, now, should North win over Essendon this week and should Carlton fail over in Perth - - then, the Roos will be in the top 8 and a chance to remain there......... .....which'll make the AFL Round 22 schedule look a bit silly forcing NthM to play 4.40pm on the last Sunday if they have to back up for (better be a Sunday) final the next week -- when all the other 'contenders' are scheduled Friday and Saturday. Here's hoping.
hardsy
Roar Pro
North seem to get the rough end of the stick from the AFL every year. Hopefully with their young crop coming through things can change on the fixturing front
Michael C
Roar Guru
was North Melb amongst those?......ah, no, Melb host us at the G at 4.40 pm for Round 22 on the last Sunday, that's a vote of confidence by the AFL that niether North or Melb will somehow burst into the finals.......fair enough on Melb, but, North are still just a game and % out..........okay - I don't reckon we're up to it!!! back on topic though - - Richmond are purring and Jack Riewoldt is playing like a classic tall forward marking in the air (overhead/contested) and at ground level (strength body on body contested) as well as being generally dangerous at ground level in general play, as a NOrth supporter, I wondered why people didn't drop everything to go watch Carey play - - - Richo on the other hand I didn't rate that much because he did so much of his 'best work' up on the wing. Jack Riewoldt might just continue to show Tiges fans just why Richo wasn't going to win them a 'flag' and why young 'Jack' (the next captain blood??) might just be able to????
Redb
Roar Guru
Some crackers ahead for sure. The Collingwood and Richmond match is well on its way to a blockbuster crowd and wouldnt we all love it if the Tiges got up! They'd bring down the stands!