Football Federation Australia is damned if they do and damned if they don’t. It makes sense for the Socceroos to play Japan in Melbourne, but should the game be at Docklands?
When word got out that FFA might take October’s vital World Cup qualifier against Japan to Victoria – despite recently signing a deal with Destination NSW to play five major Socceroos games in Sydney over the next five years – it was widely assumed the Melbourne Cricket Ground would once again host the national team.
After all, the last time the two fierce rivals met in a World Cup qualifier in Melbourne, nearly 75,000 fans turned out at the MCG in June 2009 to see a Tim Cahill brace fire Australia to a 2-1 win.
So when the rumour began that the Socceroos would return to Melbourne, logic suggested the game would take place at the MCG in an attempt to draw a massive crowd through the turnstiles.
Cue surprise when it was instead announced that the game would be played at Etihad Stadium – known for international fixtures as Docklands – a venue where the surface played better than perhaps expected during the recent friendly against Greece.
As one of the most technically proficient sides in world football, Japan will be desperate to play on a pristine surface come October.
Yet it’s not the playing surface that will have convinced FFA to stage the game at Docklands.
“I’d like to thank the Victorian Government and Docklands Stadium for their support of the match and we look forward to seeing Docklands Stadium packed with fans and an atmosphere only football can provide with thousands of Japanese fans expected to be among the sea of green and gold,” FFA chairman David Gallop said in a wordy statement when the venue was announced.
As if to underscore the point, the Acting Minister for Tourism and Major Events in Victoria, Philip Dalidakis, also chimed in.
“We’re thrilled Victoria has been chosen to host what could be the biggest blockbuster of the qualification stage,” Dalidakis said. “Our world-class events attract visitors from all over the world, and that’s a big boost to the local economy.”
The word ‘tourism’ is one Australian supporters should take note of.
No longer do the Socceroos represent us solely in football on the world stage – increasingly they’re being used to generate revenue from domestic and international tourism.
That would explain why FFA has essentially been flogging off Socceroos games to the highest bidder, and why cities like Brisbane are starting to miss out on key international fixtures as a result of Tourism and Events Queensland failing to come to the party.
What it doesn’t explain is why ticket prices remain relatively high.
With adult tickets ranging from $49 for the cheapest seat up to $119 for the most expensive – ‘active area’ tickets are $55 for both sets of fans – watching a World Cup qualifier in Australia isn’t cheap.
You could argue that the fixture represents the cream of the Asian crop, but it seems a tad unfair on fans to expect them to reach deep into their pockets when there are already lucrative commercial agreements in place.
It also seems unfair on Destination NSW, who are supposedly miffed the key qualifying fixture has gone to Melbourne so soon after they signed a deal with FFA.
Head office cops plenty of stick from media and supporters – much of it deserved – but in this instance perhaps they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
It’s not really FFA’s problem if a tourism body fails to get their guarantees in writing – it’s simply business.
And much like the deal that will invariably see Australia’s biggest star Cahill sign for Melbourne City as a guest player this season, FFA has shown that when it comes to making the big calls, they’re not afraid to do the unexpected.
footballnotsoccer
Guest
The major factor is Im paying for a ticket in the active area. Only to be separated over 20m of additional AFL Turf. Why oh why was it not at AAMMI Park baffles me if held in Melbourne. Missed opportunity for Brisbane thats for sure. They deserve it , also rattle the public off dying Rugby league :) . It will take time my brethren , but in the end outside Australia football is the #1 Game. Its .....inevitable it will only grow Where are the passionate songs of the Australian Team, our Socceroos are forming a fantastic revolution in Australian football , and the best we can offer is Aussie Aussie Aussie !. Where are the chants people ? Can someone sort it out please? We need support our lads
John Benitez
Guest
Soccer / FOOTBALL rather is way bigger then 10 years ago, it has developed immensely here and as an international pathway for the local players, what could be better then that! A game with an international market, where our locals get to mix with the world, about time! Not many other codes can even dream of that, and AFL, well one state, not even a country.
John Benitez
Guest
The MCG is terrible for football, way too far and that creates a lack of atmosphere, contact, I would prefer AMMI Park but I guess it is too small for such an occasion. Are they going to move level 1 closer to the action? It has happened in the past in international games.
AR
Guest
"no character"..??? Sir, for shame. Spoken like a gentleman who has never actually walked the bowels of that historic stadium, let alone seen it at full capacity for a meaningful event.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
This will be the biggest home clash in our calendar, and as such it would have been good to see the game at the MCG so more fans have a chance to attend. That said, it is not our most important clash. These will most likely be the away games to UAE (6/9/16) and Saudi (6/10/16), where a point from each will go a long way towards putting us on the plane to Moscow.
Martyn50
Guest
How does that compare to the hand out that the state government in WA and local shire gave Perth Glory to upgrade Perth oval. Perth Glory put in nothing.
Mark
Guest
It would be a great night with a big crowd, there is no doubt about that.
Post_hoc
Guest
Really I thought the Melbourne taxpayer paid the bills. The AFL gets so much government handouts I suspect you must get a little confused on paying.
marron
Guest
And now it looks like a huge cookie cutter with no character.
AGO74
Guest
I agree. Ticket prices are fine. And I'd much rather watch a football match at docklands than mcg. You are much closer to action.
Bondy
Guest
Well selling aussie rules to China failed ,where to next for this colossus of a juggernaut...
Avictory
Guest
Mark, if you factor in the 20,000 Iranians in Melbourne that will attend the MCG, as well as the sentimental value of the match, a sell out would be a sure thing.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
I feel that the Etihad Stadium is alright for World Cup Qualifiers given that the fact that there are 56000 in capacity. The last time they had a WC Qualifier was back in 2013 against Jordan where they carried 43785 people. The Socceroos won the game 4-0 over the Jordan team. In 2008, Socceroos v Qatar drew 50000 people.
Dimethoate
Roar Rookie
There are many factors that influence pitch quality. 1) Ground sub surface. Soil profile and drainage. 2) Climatic and microclimate conditions. Atmospheric conditions and unique ground characteristics including airflow and light dispersion. 3) Grass species. Wear/disease tolerance. 4) Scheduling. Time for repairs, maintenance and growth. Events that WRECK a ground surface. Poor scheduling. Back to back events Concerts/motorcross/monster trucks. Lack of time given for preparation. Weather including flooding.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I don't mind docklands hosting it. Strongly considering making the trip down if I can find a good group to take. Should be a great night. Ticket prices are perfectly reasonable for such a huge event.
anon
Guest
If it wasn't for footy, the MCG would look like the WACA or Bellrieve Oval.
R King
Guest
Actually it's the spiritual home of Cricket hence the name . But don't let facts stop you throwing out the bait. Enjoy the fishing.
Caltex & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
It doesn't worry me as long as I haven't heard the result.
offsider
Guest
Go easy on him,he probably doesnt know what a international game is.
Mark
Guest
You would not have the slightest clue about attendances at AAMI Park or the experiences of families at A-League or Socceroos games. AFL pages a bit boring today?