In the NRL and in the Barclays Premier League there is a Charity Shield game to kick-off the respective seasons. The NRL Charity Shield always features the Rabbitohs versus the Dragons at Allianz Stadium.
In English football, it is a long standing tradition to have the Charity Shield game played between the Barclays Premier League champions and the winners of the FA Cup at Wembley.
I propose that the AFL try a Charity Shield game as well.
The AFL Charity Shield match would be played between the grand finalists from the previous season, for example Sydney Swans versus Hawthorn next season.
It would also be a standalone NAB Cup game as well, to be played one week prior to the rest of the pre-season competition.
The defending AFL premiers (Sydney) would host the game at their home ground (because having it at the MCG would create difficulties because of cricket commitments).
The AFL should use the Charity Shield game to launch the new AFL year, instead of Round 1 of the premiership season.
And because Channel 7 would be tied up with the Australian Open tennis commitments, Fox Footy should televise the game (with the replay to be shown either on 7TWO or 7Mate).
All gate-takings plus the prize-money won by the club that takes out the Charity Shield would be donated to the charity of their choice, as is the case with the others codes.
Footy would be the big winner.
mick h
Guest
actually the charity shield game draws a larger crowd than regular season matches of these sides
HardcorePrawn
Roar Guru
I've got my pedant hat on here... Notwithstanding the fact that it's been called the Community Shield for the past 10 years, the Premier League does not have a Charity Shield, the FA does. Theoretically, the winners of the FA Cup can be one of the many league and non-league teams plying their trade in England (and some from Wales). Admittedly, the last team from outside the top-flight to contest the Charity/Community Shield was West Ham in 1980, but there have been a few recent occasions where teams from outside the PL have got to the FA Cup final and were therefore only one victory away from competing in the following season's curtain raiser.
Lucan
Spot on, Seano. ;) But this way it can be billed as "champ v champ" like the Charity Shield in England.
Horatio
Guest
Apologies - its that it was at Allianz stadium that made me think of easts...
Cameron
Guest
Players association seem to want a EastVs West rep game, so a charity shield game won't happen.
bazza
Guest
St George Illawarra play Souths in the Charity Shield and the Sydney Roosters on Anzac Day
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Neither clubs nor the AFLPA will accept the idea, unless it was in conjunction with the existing pre-season. Perhaps it could be the last practice match before the pre-season cup, but an additional game will not be accepted. I don't think an additional trophy will mean anything to the fans either, look at how many articles there are on this site and footy sites demanding the pre-seasoon competition be scrapped as things are now. I would prefer the grand final rematch to be round one, preferably as the season opener with the premier unfurling the flag. That doesn't mean the idea of having a charity match, or round, is a bad one. It just needs to work within existing structues.
Seano
Guest
Lucan you prefer premier vs mclelland winner? So instead of hawks v swans you would prefer hawks v swans? Lol -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Horace
Guest
Sorry bizarre idea - why give the main meal as an entree. How many in Sydney would turn up for a pre-season game?? The NRL Charity Shiled is a farce because its the same 2 clubs each year who then play each other again on Anzac Day. If the 2 clubs both were at the bottom of the table then it would be a real dud. It was only devised to as a counter to the AFLs big day and stop the Swans having a twilight game on the day as the NRL had given up on Anzac day..
me, I like football
Guest
We already have a pre-season comp'
Lucan
Doesn't the SCG have similar cricket commitments as the MCG? ;) I'd prefer Premier vs McClelland Trophy winner. If it's the same team, then the runner up to the McClelland Trophy gets the gig.
Trick
Guest
I think it would be too soon for a grand final rematch. I would prefer the winners of the NAB cup vs the premiers. Makes the nab cup more important, as playing in the charity shield match would be great for sponsership and getting more fans ect. IMO its far far too early for a grand final rematch, better to draw it out