Perth’s Optus Stadium will hold the AFL grand final for the first time after an MCG decider was officially ruled out.
On Tuesday, the Victorian government conceded the state’s latest coronavirus outbreak and lockdown would result in the grand final being moved away from the MCG for the second successive year.
The showpiece game is scheduled for September 25, which will allow for a pre-grand final bye.
A time slot has not yet been confirmed, however, the grand final appears likely to be a twilight fixture in Perth to allow it to be broadcast in prime time on the east coast of Australia.
“It has become clear as we continue to navigate through these challenges that it wouldn’t be in the best interests of the community to host a grand final at the MCG in front of no crowd,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said.
As part of the decision to move this year’s grand final, the long-term contract in place that grants the MCG hosting rights for the annual season decider has been extended to 2059.
The MCG will also host an extra eight games over the next five AFL seasons, while four AFLW matches will be taken to regional Victoria over the coming three seasons.
Victoria will also host the AFL draft until 2023, with this year’s edition expected to be held as a virtual event.
“This is a decision made in the best interests of the health and safety of Victorians as we continue to drive down the current outbreak,” Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula said.
“It’s also in the best interests of football – if the grand final can be played in front of supporters, then it should be.
“We look forward to the grand final returning to its traditional home at the MCG in 2022 and for decades beyond.”
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
Any idea of what time it might kick off?
RT
Roar Rookie
The fact that they lengthened the contract after moving the GF last year and again this year shows it is set in stone.
Klompy
Guest
Ok I will. It still a long time between Drinks.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
In other news, 9 of the 22 in the under 22 side came from WA, including the Rising Star, who has two brothers. Surely a great reason to have the GF in Perth from now on. OK,every third year. The MCC and AFL can extend the contract untIl the cows come home. There's a little thing in scientific research called ground-truthing.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
And no AFL premiership at all
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A case of cosseted DNA rather than any real talent.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Not by far, in fact the only things that cruels AO is the stupidity of not getting more seating out of the abstract design.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Good get!
The Dom is good
Roar Rookie
having been the the G many times over the years for our great game i can say the Perth stadium is by far the best stadium in Australia. Yes i live in beautiful WA but to me , the G is out dated and needs a good overhaul. its a superb stadium without doubt but its not 21st century standard.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
I think he was a reasonable amateur footy player, a ruckman. He plays polo too, cos he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
RT
Roar Rookie
Sorry Darius.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Zero emissions? From Gillon? I'd like to see that!
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Has he ever played sport?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Don't pooh on my lap and call it a kitten!
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
What's history in minor leagues got to do with it?
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Of course in typical cynical AFL fashion the AFL will use this opportunity to again try to get people used to the prospect of a night grand final, all in the cause of $$$$$, when they know fully well the vast majority of supporters want a day grand final. Geez I'm sick of Gil and his cronies.
RT
Roar Rookie
You say it like it's a bad thing.
Gary
Roar Rookie
So... people who don't live in Victoria have to take time off work, pay a premium for flights and accommodation, on top of the cost of GF tickets? Fairness, who would want that.
CloudRunner
Roar Rookie
Swapped the date with the length of the drought: 57 years, so no premiership since 1964.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Nah. We'll have a snap lockdown and close the border at 6pm on the Saturday before the GF. This will keep those pesky "dignatories" out whilst allowing the winning team from the Adelaide prelim in (as they would be here by Monday). PS no refund on their accomodation at Crown Towers either! There'll be an auction of the 100 premium seats to West Aussie businesses.