The A-League could reverse its controversial decision to sell grand final hosting rights to NSW and replace it with a Magic Round-style event.
The move to sell grand final hosting rights proved wildly unpopular with fans when it was announced late last year.
The Australian Professional Leagues (APL), who run the A-League competitions, pocketed $20 million from the state tourism arm Destination NSW in exchange for a three-year deal to host the grand final.
Many supporters staged protests against the decision, which overrode the tradition that the league’s highest-placed team to reach the grand final was rewarded with hosting rights.
Despite the anger over the initial decision, the first year of the arrangement was viewed as a success.
A record crowd of 9519 attended the A-League Women final, while Central Coast’s 6-1 A-League Men triumph over Melbourne City pulled a crowd of more than 26,000 to CommBank Stadium.
Despite the positive signs from the first year, it is understood Destination NSW have approached the APL to discuss a shake-up to the deal.
One of the alternatives AAP understands is being considered is football’s version of Magic Round.
The NRL adopted the concept, which originated in England’s Super League in 2007, four years ago and similar festivals – where an entire round is played at one venue over the course of a weekend – have been adopted in AFL and Super Rugby.
NSW would play host to the proposed event, while the grand final would revert to being hosted by the league’s highest-finishing club to qualify for the decider.
The APL declined to comment when contacted by AAP, while Destination NSW have also been approached.
AR
Roar Rookie
Is this a "decision"? The reporting says that Destination NSW approached the APL to review the deal, not the other way around. Either way, if it gets scrapped, that would be a good thing.
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Before he got traded you mean? :silly:
mrl
Roar Rookie
Metrostars could have won that last night....it was like watching a movie when you know the ending, but you wish there was a different ending.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
What exactly is the appeal of a Sydney derby? Having a Sydney derby would mean three home matches would have to be sacrificed to stage magic round instead of 1.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Mid, I assume you were lucky enough to go to the Grand Final. You at least would be aware of the feel-good factor that was generated amongst all those mariners fans. Being a coastie you probably felt it in the week leading up to the match, and no doubt after the match as well. I’m sure you know friends, families and lots of kids who enjoyed that day. Now put yourself in Melbourne - instead of having 22,000 Melbourne fans feeling the same thrills we got 21,000 of them disappointed that they missed out; families who couldn’t afford to fly up for the price of a weeks holiday; kids who missed out etc. … the picture is suddenly very different. Now make that final between two non NSW’s sides and you have a very much worse picture. Everyone loses out. The GF decision was unpopular and replaced something that was very popular — you’re an Accountant who has worked in business: what would you say to a client who suggested replacing a popular product with an unpopular one?
Waz
Roar Rookie
I actually feel a magic round will flop - especially if the APL are responsible for designing it - the only thing that will gather round for football will be Police and stadium security. Maybe if they put the Sydney derby at the Center of it, probably at ANZ Stadium, and try and use the event to get 75k+ … I’ve always wanted to go to a Sydney derby and would fly just for that game. I travel to away games each season (reset: before the GF decision I used to travel to away games) and would replace one of those with this so there’s no net gain or loss on my part - maybe an extra night away for this thing.
Waz
Roar Rookie
It’s obvious that NRL and AFL have completed their “COVID recovery” with pretty much record crowds, viewing, and general “feel good” factors around their competitions. Football is not alone but is stuck with the impacts of COVID. Both national teams are at an all time time high but the APL have single-handedly blown the biggest and best opportunity to boost the A Leagues with two very successful world cups igniting a passion for football that we’ve never seen before in this country. The APL approached this with a sense of entitlement instead of creating the conditions necessary to harness these waves. The APL are reaping what they’ve sown. I for one have no sympathy for them (or any empathy) and I know I’m not alone - The ALM is close to becoming toxic and they need to be very careful what their next move is.
Redcap
Roar Guru
I understand he was a promising holding midfielder for Jerusalem FC before, well, you know.
mrl
Roar Rookie
I can’t get down there tonight unfortunately…warm and balmy night in Adelaide. Metrostars have got this!!! Who am I kidding…they are playing against a team which is part of the wealthiest ownership group in the world….so who cares this is the cup!!! Come on. My try to catch second half…only 10 minutes away!! Come on!!
Garry
Roar Rookie
I think one or two venues are preferable but with a bit of lateral thinking other venues could be used..eg play a game in Newcastle 3 hours after one in Gosford..then theres other venues like Campbelltown & Marconi.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Jesus started it by gathering his mates together for a feed :happy:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Just tuning in now - can the Metrostars cause an upset?
Waz
Roar Rookie
Agreed. The total GF attends could easily top 100k.
Redcap
Roar Guru
It probably goes back to the Romans or the Greeks, or like almost everything else the ancient Chinese.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
I wonder if there is a debate to be had trying to work out the origins of the idea? I bet there are a few other possibles!
Redcap
Roar Guru
Actually, it was the Brisbane Rugby League’s original idea, though it was held at Ipswich in 1911 and called a ‘gala’. :silly:
Grem
Roar Rookie
Actually the more I read the responses of people on that article the more I believe your comment was correct. Race ism seems rife in some places.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
MASSIVE NEWS IF TRUE ADAM PEACOCK on Twitter Reporting.... A Leagues back to FA? That’s the hot tip…
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Point with a magic round, those who can afford can attend those who cant wont. A Grand final people might feel they are blackmailed to go to it, a magic round on the other hand what exactly is the reason anyone would feel compelled to go to it. I doubt its going to be that successfull to impact travel and accomodation prices . It makes more sense for sports who have nothing else going on to copy the concept like the AFL.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
That's a good interim outcome that should allow them to establish a solid fanbase. Even if they have to delay the opening and back-end their home games, Perth showed last season that it's possible.