Richmond coach Damien Hardwick expects Perth’s Optus Stadium to put on a fitting spectacle for Saturday night’s Dreamtime feature match against Essendon.
After the Tigers’ 28-point win over Adelaide in Sydney on Sunday, Hardwick said his side will stay in the harbour city this week and travel to Western Australia on Friday before tackling the in-form Bombers in round 12.
The Dreamtime fixture was originally scheduled to return to the MCG after being played in Darwin last season.
But Victoria’s ongoing COVID-19 battle means it will now be held in a third city in as many years, in a move confirmed by the AFL on Sunday night.
Essendon are flying after an upset win over West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday night extended their winning streak to three matches.
The Bombers sit just one win behind eighth-placed Richmond heading into their crunch clash.
“We want as many fans there as possible, not only for the game in general, but hopefully our Tigers can celebrate with us as well,” Hardwick said.
“It’s a wonderful occasion.
“We’ll head over there Friday and give it a crack against a very good, rampaging Essendon at the moment.
“They’re one of the form sides of the competition at the moment so it’s going to be an enormous challenge for us.”
Shaun Grigg, Jack Riewoldt and Damien Hardwick of the Tigers look on during the war cry during Dreamtime at the G. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Hardwick expects a sold-out crowd at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium despite the fixture featuring two Melbourne-based clubs.
“It’s such an important occasion, one of the big ones for our footy club, so I’ve got no doubt the people will get behind it and support it,” Hardwick said.
“Whether it’s Richmond or Essendon fans, we just want as many people there as possible to celebrate our Indigenous players.”
The move means Melbourne is likely to be without an AFL match in round 12, with the AFL set to confirm the revised schedule as soon as Monday.
Carlton will host West Coast at the SCG instead of the MCG and the St Kilda-Sydney contest, scheduled for Marvel Stadium, could also be moved to Sydney.
It would likely mean the Saints and Swans switch hosting rights for their two meetings this season, with a return clash already booked for round 21.
Friday night’s encounter between ladder leaders Melbourne and fellow flag contenders Brisbane is likely to be moved from Alice Springs to Sydney or Queensland.
There is also uncertainty around Adelaide’s clash with Collingwood on Saturday night, with the AFL seeking exemptions for the Magpies to fly in and out of South Australia on game day.
“It’s not locked in as yet, so we have to wait on the AFL to give us more information,” Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.
“We’re planning for a Saturday game in Adelaide … but we’ll be flexible and ready to play wherever need be.”
The Western Bulldogs had their travel plans changed at the last minute on Sunday.
Instead of flying to Perth ahead of Sunday’s clash with Fremantle, they were sent to Sydney, where they will live under Victorian lockdown protocols before heading to WA on Saturday.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
The problem with a predictor is, that it is hard to predict which make outcomes unpredictable!
sven
Roar Rookie
reckon hardwicks done pretty well for a while now just quietly … im sure balmy’s doing his bit in the background … not that we are on fire but long way to go yet this year, last year showed we can win even when its not going that great … not sure press conferences are all that crucial to the teams ongoing success
Gatto Nero
Roar Rookie
Mr Balme should have more input. He could save your season.
sven
Roar Rookie
not really, maybe im not paying enough attention
Gatto Nero
Roar Rookie
Of course I am. But that it is not relevant to my comment on Hardwick. Surely you must wince as well.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Ah yes Gatto, how did round 1 go for the Cats?
sven
Roar Rookie
u still butt hurt over what the tiges did to geelong the last 2 years gatto ?
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
I didn’t even realise - you must be suffering from Dementia Gatto. Your Cats couldn’t beat the Crows! That is the ultimate Pot calling the kettle black :laughing:
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
There you go! Thanks Sven, that’s how much interest I have in the Cats. Talk about dribble coming from Gatto!
:laughing::laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:Gary
Roar Rookie
Time difference is more an issue when heading East, not much of an issue heading West. Or, wild theory, Richmond might be hoping WA close boarders, and force Essendon to fly east to nsw/qld.
sven
Roar Rookie
round 1 they didnt
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
I'm sure you are. It's always good for a laugh though. How my boys beat you in rd 1 I will never know.
Seano
Roar Rookie
Nearly 20 years without winning a final and not one side has caught our 16 flags. We coming, maybe not this year but we coming.
O M
Roar Rookie
Pumping Dougie makes alot of stuff up I've noticed.
Cat in SG
Guest
A disadvantage of their own making too. There is no reason - none - that would prevent Richmond from getting on a plane today and getting to Perth as soon as possible and settling in there. Why they are still camping in Sydney is a real mystery
Alchemist
Roar Rookie
Just so you can lose another final?
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
There isn't even a lot of Dogs fans on this site, let alone ones who were making predictions like that. Stop making stuff up.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Because money, that's why. The AFL pretends these games have some sort of altruistic motive but really it's all about generating more $$$$.
Dusty does Danger
Roar Rookie
Gatto you sound so similar to another guest. If I remember Melbourne couldn’t get over the Crows and if the Cats bought their Collingwood game to the contest, I don’t believe they would get past the Crows either!
Slane
Guest
Can't wait to go watch the Western Derby played at the MCG, Johnno.