Tom Harley wants it. Don Pyke thinks it’s a cool idea. But is it time to bring in a ‘best of three’ grand final series in the AFL?
If we make some rash assumptions, there may be an instant collection of eight coaches who would love to see a grand final in their home city – a place where Aussie rules is played, promoted and adored.
In any case a ‘best of three’ grand final series must merit a more nuanced discussion than the unreasoned damning it has received from some of the leading voices in the game to this point.
Surely the sharing of the big event in a celebration across the country is a more persuasive viewpoint than the counter argument, which has focused on the lottery of injuries and the logistics of holidays and parades.
After all, in so many ways the AFL emulates our American buddies – a country who do sport better than anyone.
They love to travel the finals around and build the suspense.
The MCC and the AFL are firmly in the ‘no’ corner with tradition, legal contracts and whatever else it is they seem to think entitles them to monopolise the most spectacular (sporting) show on earth.
What is the matter, boys? Is it too hard to share?
The AFL has sewn up the deal with the MCC for the next thirty years or so. It expires in 2057, giving us the impression it is something that will never change ever.
That sort of attitude just amps up the discussion and invites all kinds of resentments.
How about this: Game 1 at the MCG, Game 2 at the highest finisher’s home ground and Game 3 at the home ground of the other team.
The main celebration can still take place in Melbourne, respecting the game’s history and the incredible support the sport has in Victoria.
How can you argue with more footy and more finals – and just more betterer?
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
I'm no Lawyer......If on one hand the MCC agree in principle to a best of three GF series.And within that agreement is the implication of a possible interstate GF.So to protect MCC/VicStateGov interests there is a clause that the deciding game must be at the MCG.Yet it is not possible to predict whether that is game 2 or 3 so both must be at the MCG.The first game goes to the highest finishing club presumably (or maybe not but anyways...).All games might be at the G or one of the two interstate teams miss out on the chance of a life time.It's a clause that has been headlined as as controversial elsewhere.Like I said I'm no lawyer but is that a workable contract?I do know some good lawyers.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
It's more than a grab for cash. A lot more. Profits and economics are only one of the benefits.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Thanks Shifty. It's good to look at the worst case scenarios. They aren't pretty but they get to the heart of it. If it's about fairness then yes the MCG first game does not solve all the issues. If it's about promoting the game interstate for the future while still having a pretty good time and also taking care of business it stands as the best proposal thus far.
shifty
Roar Rookie
The 3rd and deciding game would only come into if the swans won one of first two, this whole scenario only came a because the interstate clubs think its unfair to play at the MCG, how much more complaining do you think there will be if they lose the first 2 games and don't get to play the 3rd at home?
shifty
Roar Rookie
I'm with you on this PTS it doesn't make any sense if 2 of the games are still in Melbourne. It addresses nothing in the way of "fairness" it's just a cash grab
shifty
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't include Geelong as one of the Victorian teams unless it 5 permanent Vic clubs, I think even though they are only an hour from the city under this new idea they would play all home games and finals at the cattery. As a Hawks supporter I'm obviously going to say that we should be one of the 4 permanent Melbourne clubs along with Collingwood Essenscum and probably Richmond. Carlton is meant to be one of the big four but are somewhat irrelevant these days bulldogs, saints, North, Melbourne could be the floaters.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
The 'theatre of the day' is a phrase that seems to ring true as to what must truly be preserved. In a best of three scenario something would be lost and it would never be exactly the same again. But something else, different but similar would take it's place. Change or no, the day or days would be what we make them.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jonboy. The first game is at the MCG to kick off the series for any two teams no matter where they finish or where they come from. That's to handle the economics and traditions. The second week is wherever the highest team is from. It could be the Gee as in the above scenario. The third game is at the lower finishing teams home game which in the above is Sydney.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Cheers. No it's not my idea, best of three is pretty normal stuff.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Injuries are a lottery. Pick any week of the year and just change the names
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I wouldn't mind a Sydney Pies Grand Final Jonboy as they are starting to lose as many as we do. Could give us a chance!
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I would have thought in the Collingwood -Sydney scenario the Pies would play the first final at the MCG, the second at the SCG, if a third is required it be at the MCG. Top team gets the right for the first home game and the third if needed?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
...and the worst acting performance in the history of cinema from our own Elle McPherson.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
You quote the movie above. "The entire quote is Anothony Hopkins in “The Edge”"
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
You might have 5 Grand Finals in a row with your current side Matti. Might have to be Macca's by the 5th one in a row! :)
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
I've looked and I've listened (or read). I'm not saying I've been to the mountain. But.... So far not one deal breaker, Just more of the same dismissing it out of hand.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Oops got it ... The Edge Great bear movie. Great Scenery, Hopkins in one of those roles. Kiwi Director.'
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Which movie?I love movies.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I meant to say that although I think the best of three is a terrible idea, I know its someone else's idea and not yours. Wasn't having a crack at the author as the article itself is a fun and hot topic (clearly, with the number of comments in an off season article) thanks Goalsonly.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Great Quote Goalsonly....love that movie....