West Coast were hoping to play North Melbourne in Perth in the AFL’s final round but their bid to buy the hosting rights for that match is set to be denied.
West Coast’s bid to move its final-round clash with North Melbourne to Perth’s Optus Stadium is set to be rejected by the AFL.
North Melbourne were keen to sell their hosting rights for the game, and the Eagles were more than happy with the potential deal given they are a perfect 7-0 at Optus Stadium this year.
But the bid is set to be rejected, along with Fremantle’s hopes of playing the Bulldogs in Perth in the final round.
West Coast have been in the hottest of form in Perth this season, and another game at home would have given them a major advantage in the battle for a top-four berth.
The Eagles (9-4) currently sit in fifth spot, but they have a game in hand on most of the teams above them.
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said it was a tricky decision for the cash-strapped AFL, who would need to weigh up the financial benefits against perceived unfair advantages.
“It’s a real dilemma for the game. The game needs money, these clubs need money,” Clarkson said earlier in the day before a decision had been announced.
“When a (team like) North does have an opportunity to earn some money out of a game because they’ve been deprived of that through the season, then who can question that.
“But for the teams that are competing with West Coast in terms of a finals position, I think they might be a bit aggrieved. So it’s a real difficult one for the league.”
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Phew!!!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Nothing can counter your 4:27 comment.
Micko
Roar Rookie
I'm a West Aussie...but not a West Coast supporter. If you (presumably Victorian?) can't see how poorly the AFL has treated interstate teams (like West Coast) throughout history then that's your issue. I'd assume you weren't happy about the idea that WCE might've been playing NM's "home" game in Perth, which is fair enough. But the disingenuous dribble that's coming out of people's mouths (like Alistair Clarkson believe it or not! :laughing: ) that there's the "integrity" of the comp at stake is a joke! :laughing:
RT
Roar Rookie
Fair enough, not you Nolxie, but there is a contingent on this site, there's no doubt about it.
Nolzie
Roar Rookie
I’m unsure as to where I have complained Richie? As for Melbourne giving up their home ground advantage, they chose to do that. Never mind that WC would much rather have been playing at the MCG like they request year in year out. I imagine that WC supporters spot their advantages in much the same way that Richmond supporters spot theirs…
RT
Roar Rookie
Unfair because Melbourne gave up their home ground advantage. Unfair compared with Freo perhaps, if they didn’t get any away games on neutral turf apart from theit match against WC. However, I don’t care. 17 doesn’t go in to 22 anyway so it’s swings and roundabouts. It’s just funny how WC supporters can always spot disadvantages to their team but never the advantages.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
You just said that having the Eagles play North in Perth would be unfair. And I commented that it would be just like Richmond....yep I agree, but both unfair & there is a precedence. And yes, it won’t happen.
Nolzie
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't say unfair advantage to WC, given the neutral venue. Definitely it meant that WC spent about 1.5 less on the plane and with Melbourne flying as well nullified any advantage they would of had in Melbourne. For me all I want from the AFL is consistency. If you base your decisions on profit ie. Geelong playing Richmond at the G. Or the interstate clubs generally playing in Tassie ect. If it's fairness and integrity fine base them on that. To me it seems too often the AFL isn't consistent with their decision making and it is frustrating.
2dogs
Roar Rookie
2 toothpicks and an elastic band :thumbup:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
50 of em wouldn't make the difference.
2dogs
Roar Rookie
There a pills for that, PTS can point you in the right direction
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You made me soft.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
People forgot WC got a spoon; near as bad. ----- Also it'll fit with the other misrepresentations of Adelaide. Like the "city of churches" bs when it's the most irreligious state and fallacious murder rates. You can tell Victorians and Sydneysiders but not very much.
DTM
Roar Rookie
To be fair, Hawthorn of 2019 was a better team than North of 2020 but the possibility is still there. I wonder if anyone (other than Chris Scott) has realised that Geelong could still miss the top 4? If WCE win their last 4 games and Richmond beat Geelong, the possibility of Geelong dropping to 5th is on the cards.
RT
Roar Rookie
Agree with that re WC playing Haw or NM at the MCG. On the flip side, playing Melbourne in NT for a Melbourne home game last year, at least neutralised the travel factor. Unfair advantage to West Coast (on that instance)?
RT
Roar Rookie
#Qldbias
RT
Roar Rookie
:sick:
RT
Roar Rookie
Who's moaning?
2dogs
Roar Rookie
You had me at soft
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Sure is.