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The AFL grand final will be played at Perth’s Optus Stadium but only if the Melbourne Cricket Ground can’t due to COVID issues.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan made the announcement at a hastily arranged press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
McLachlan said the Adelaide Oval had been considered as a venue too, but Optus Stadium’s superior capacity saw it come out on top.
Due to the AFL’s agreement with the MCG and the Victorian government, the league is not able to simply relocate the grand final if it wishes, the Victorian government itself must declare the MCG unsuitable to serve as the grand final venue.
Last year’s grand final, played at the Gabba in Brisbane, was able to be moved due to Melbourne being in lockdown at the time.
While the current COVID situation is highly volatile, it appears the AFL will not be able to take the decider away from the MCG if Melbourne exits lockdown before the day of the grand final.
However, with the Victorian capital highly unlikely to be capable of hosting a crowd of any real size by the end of September, it’d be a surprise to see the decider played at the home of football.
The AFL’s official statement reads as follows.
The AFL has today announced that Optus Stadium in Perth is the preferred contingency venue should the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final not be able to be held at the MCG.
With the blessing of the Victorian State Government, the AFL had been working with the Western Australian, South Australian and Queensland Governments on relevant contingency plans to host the Grand Final if the MCG is unable to host it.
Presentations considered five key criteria – Safety, Integrity, Fans, Financial and Legacy, all in the lead up to the code’s biggest game.
Optus Stadium in Perth ultimately was chosen as the preferred contingency based on the combination of the five key criteria and the ability to accommodate the greatest number of supporters.
Adelaide Oval remains as a strong backup and the Queensland Government, which did not provide a formal presentation, has also offered their support if required after hosting the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final, and most of the competition last year.
The 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final is scheduled for the MCG on Saturday 25 September.
“On behalf of the AFL I would like to thank the Victorian State Government for their support and understanding as we continue to plan our 2021 Finals series.
“The support of all State Governments and health officials throughout the season has allowed our game to continue throughout some really challenging circumstances.
“The Western Australian Government and Premier Mark McGowan have provided the AFL with a great backup plan, with Optus Stadium
giving fans a great opportunity to attend if the match needs to move.“The end of the 2021 Toyota AFL home and away season capped off a sensational season of footy, and our focus now turns to delivering fans the best finals series possible and we are off to a great start with four sold out matches in Week One.”
“We will continue planning for the Grand Final to be held at the MCG, however today’s announcement provides us some clarity on a contingency if required.”
The AFL team will continue to work with the WA Government on the contingency plans.
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